/Companies

Memrise

Techstars '11

London, GB · Founded 2010 · Delaware corporation · 49 employees on LinkedIn · 6 known investors

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Memrise is a language learning app that uses native-speaker videos, spaced repetition, and AI tools to help users learn practical, real-life language across 149 languages. The platform serves learners preparing for exams, work, or travel with interactive features including conversation practice, pronunciation tools, and AI-powered exam feedback.

Founders & leadership

Memrise was founded in 2010 by Ed Cooke, Ben Whately, and Greg Detre.

ECEd Cooke
Ed CookeFounderEd Cooke co-founded Memrise, a language-learning platform that reached 70 million learners and pioneered interactive learning technologies. He studied cognitive science and philosophy at Oxford, Paris, Antwerp, and Macquarie universities, with research interests including consciousness, phenomenology, and sensory perception.
BWBen Whately
Ben WhatelyFounderHe is also co-founder and CEO of Astron Health, which develops personalized cancer treatment options using cellular pathway analysis, and co-founder and CEO of Angry Teenagers, a Web3-based reforestation initiative.
GDGreg Detre
Greg DetreFounderGreg Detre studied at Oxford and Harvard, with machine learning expertise; he is co-founder and CTO of Memrise, a language learning platform serving millions of users.
STSteven Toy
Steven ToyChief Executive Officer2021–2025He founded Just a Bite Better LLC in 2020 and advises dinemait, having previously led Memrise as CEO from 2021 to 2025 after joining as COO in 2020. Earlier roles include general manager at mobile app developer Apalon, venture lead at EY, and CEO of TaxChat.

Board

RLRichard Levandov
Richard LevandovBoard directorInvestor at Avalon Ventures Management, Llc
ME
Mark EvansBoard director

Investors · 6

Funding

SEC filings, press & company announcements

$18.7M disclosed across 2 rounds · 2015–2018

▶$3.2MraisedFeb 2017 · 18 investors · Other Technology
Rule 506(b)
Officers, directors & promoters on the filing
  • Ed CookeExecutive Officer, Director
  • Ben WhatelyExecutive Officer, Director
  • Richard LevandovDirector
  • Mark EvansDirector
Offering amount
$5M
Amount sold
$3.2M
First sale
Feb 2015
Incorporated
Corporation, Delaware
Federal exemptions
06b
Full filing on SEC EDGAR ↗

Source: SEC EDGAR Form D. Amounts as filed; amended filings shown once at their latest values.

Founder mafia

4 people who came through Memrise went on to found or lead other companies.

Companies House · registry record

View on Companies House ↗
Registered name
MEMRISE LIMITED
Company number
07463911
Status
Active
Company type
Private limited company
Incorporated
8 Dec 2010
Registered office
27 Old Gloucester Street, London, WC1N 3AX
Nature of business (SIC)
62012 — Business and domestic software development85590 — Other education n.e.c.
Accounts
last made up to 31 Dec 2024 · next due 30 Sept 2026
Confirmation statement
last made up to 8 Dec 2025 · next due 22 Dec 2026

Current officers · 1

  • Benjamin William Whately — director, appointed 8 Dec 2010

Source: Companies House public register · retrieved 24 Jul 2026. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

In the news

Frequently asked questions

What does Memrise do?
Memrise is a language learning app that uses native-speaker videos, spaced repetition, and AI tools to help users learn practical, real-life language across 149 languages. The platform serves learners preparing for exams, work, or travel with interactive features including conversation practice, pronunciation tools, and AI-powered exam feedback.
Who founded Memrise?
Memrise was founded by Ed Cooke, Ben Whately, Greg Detre in 2010.
Who are Memrise's investors?
Memrise's investors include Avalon Ventures Management, Llc, Balderton Capital, Korelya Capital, Lerer Hippeau, Octopus Ventures, Techstars.
How much funding has Memrise raised?
Memrise has disclosed $18.7M raised across 2 rounds.
Where is Memrise headquartered?
Memrise is headquartered in London, GB.