For the first time ever, language learners will be able to meet a variety of local native English speaking coaches with the tap of a button. Hellocafe, a tech startup from the US, is launching a smartphone application that offers a realtime, local marketplace for English learners and coaches.
For decades in South Korea, English education companies have commoditized learning across a range
of formats including classes, phonebased tutoring, video lectures, and testprep books.
“English education in Korea needs change,” said CEO and cofounder Aaron Myung, “We want to
create a learning experience that is authentic, and nurtures the learner to freely communicate.”
Hellocafe’s approach is based on the idea that the best way to learn English is to actually speak it with
other native speakers in a real world setting. The technology helps users discover and request English
conversation experiences right in their neighborhoods at cafes nearby.
Hellocafe draws some of its “on demand” features from successful startups like Uber. The app handles
all aspects of the meeting, including the transaction, and scheduling. A 5star rating system simplifies
the feedback and ensures high quality coaches.
“Getting busy people together is more than half the battle,” said Simon Shin, Cofounder and Chief
Operating Officer, “Professionals don’t really have the time or energy to sit in a class or in front of the
computer but they do have time for coffee and a conversation.”
In the next few weeks Hellocafe will launch a beta program and will offer those on the waiting list free
credits to try out the app.
# # #About Hellocafe
Hellocafe is a mobile app that connects people offline for ondemand language practice. Our first
market is Korea, which spends the most per capita on English education and private tutoring. We
imagine a world where people are one touch away from an immersive study abroadlike experience at a
local cafe. Traditionally, people have met with one person on a scheduled basis to improve fluency, but
there is a better way: people should be able to meet different people in different contexts at any
convenient moment.
Media Contact
Mobile: +1 2137005117
press@hellocafe.com
Company website: www.hellocafe.com
