Call Me Sensei launches AI language app built around conversation

This article is a part of Startup Spotlight, a series that features young, up-and-coming startups.

Image credit: Timmy Loen

Call Me Sensei, a Singapore-based startup building an AI-powered language learning app, has launched alongside the close of a US$500,000 funding round. The round was note-led by Loyal VC, with participation from NLS Ventures and Attribute Global Ventures, as well as family offices and angel investors.

The app uses AI “senseis” to help users practice languages through ongoing conversation rather than structured lessons.

The idea for the firm emerged over drinks in a Tokyo bar, where its founders noticed conference attendees struggling to use apps like Duolingo to learn enough Japanese to connect with locals. That observation led them to build an app based on the idea that language learning is more effective when it happens through relationships.

😟 Problem

Language learning apps suffer from high attrition rates and low user retention. They typically rely on structured curricula and drills that users find boring and emotionally dry. This leads to learners burning out and struggling to apply their knowledge in real conversations.

💡 Solution

Call Me Sensei prioritizes emotional engagement over a fixed curriculum. The platform lets language learning occur as a byproduct of interacting with an AI companion. This approach is designed to make users want to return and spend more time practicing.

• The app provides users with AI-powered “senseis” for companionship.
• It focuses on casual, engaging conversation rather than pre-programmed lessons.
• The user experience is designed to be more aesthetically pleasing than competitors.

Image credit Call Me Sensei

📊 Market size

The global language learning market is an estimated US$250 billion opportunity. This comes as advancements in large language models make sophisticated AI companions possible. At the same time, cultural acceptance of AI companionship is growing.

🤝 Team

• Shawn Tan. Co-founder and CEO. He has over 10 years of experience in venture capital and is a general partner at TRIVE Digital.
• Jack Vinijtrongjit. Co-founder and CTO. He has over 25 years in game design and is a serial entrepreneur with successful exits.

🚀 Traction

Call Me Sensei is currently live in open alpha on iOS and Google Play. It has also signed a partnership with MiniMax, a Hong Kong-listed foundation model provider, whose text-to-speech technology powers the voices of all AI companions in the app.

Qualitative insights from a pilot test that concluded in September 2025 include the following points:

🏆 Competition

💰 Financials