Toucan is a language-learning browser extension that teaches users a new language passively while they browse the web. The Chrome extension scans the text of websites and translates select words into the language the user is learning, providing contextual practice without flashcards or dedicated study sessions. Founded in 2019 by Taylor Nieman, Brandon Dietz, and Shaun Merritt and headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Toucan raised roughly $30M across seed and Series A rounds from investors including GSV Ventures, LightShed Ventures, Human Ventures, Goodwater Capital, Wonder Ventures, Halogen Ventures, Vitalize Venture Capital, Amplifyher Ventures, and Golden Ventures. The company wound down operations in early 2023 and its technology was acquired by Berlin-based language-learning company Babbel in September 2023, with the product continuing under the 'Toucan by Babbel' brand and former paid features moved into a free tier.
Toucan has been acquired
This company is no longer available on our private secondary market.
Company data and valuation marks are estimates and may be incomplete, stale, erroneous, or revised.
Founded
2019
Employees
11–50
Total Funding
$27.5M
3 rounds
Total raised $27.5M across 3 rounds
Funding data and valuation marks are estimates and may be incomplete, stale, erroneous, or revised.
Last updated 06-25-2026
Latest Round
Type
Series A
Date
April 8, 2022
Amount
$20M
Valuation
—
Lead Investors
| Date | Round | Amount Raised | Valuation | Lead Investors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 8, 2022 | Series A | $20M | — | Human Ventures |
| April 27, 2021 | Seed extension | $4.5M | — | LightShed Ventures |
| September 2020 | Seed | $3M | — | GSV Ventures |
Taylor Nieman
Co-Founder & CEO
Brandon Dietz
Co-Founder
Shaun Merritt
Co-Founder
Competitor list is illustrative and may be incomplete, stale, or erroneous.
Babbel
Berlin-based subscription language-learning app and Toucan's eventual acquirer; offers app-based courses across 14 languages.
Duolingo
Publicly traded gamified language-learning platform and the largest consumer language-learning app globally.
Rosetta Stone
Long-established language-learning software company offering immersive courses across desktop and mobile.
Busuu
Online language-learning community and app offering structured courses plus peer feedback; acquired by Chegg in 2022.
Memrise
Language-learning app focused on video-based real-world vocabulary practice with native speakers.
Drops
Visual, gamified language-learning mobile app acquired by Kahoot in 2020.
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