The online English platform ABA English has just closed its first funding round for $3.4 million with the venture firm Nauta Capital. ABA English specializes in online English teaching using a robust learning methodology, exclusive media content and its own developed interactive technology.

The Barcelona based e-learning start-up was launched in 2013 with new unique content and a new go-to-market approach. In its first year it reached 1 million students in 170 countries, with a particularly strong presence in Italy, France, Spain, Brazil and Mexico. The funding from Nauta will be devoted to accelerate ABA's growth and international expansion.

According to Jordi Vinas, General Partner at Nauta Capital who led the transaction: 'With our investment in ABA English, Nauta confirms its commitment to innovative companies that use unique technology as a tool to disrupt traditional large spaces as for instance Education. Since ABA English was launched, the company has already proven its ability to attract and retain hundreds of thousands of customers to its platform, with a product that is innovative, attractive and is based on a highly robust methodology. All these goals were achieved with a highly efficient use of the equity raised prior to Nauta's investment.'

Javier Figarola, ABA English's CEO and cofounder, said: 'Nauta's funding will help the company drive exponential growth: we will invest in marketing and internal resources to bolster our number of students and our worldwide position, and we will also finalize and launch new technology developments for mobile devices. Nauta is a key partner for ABA; in addition to funding, the investment firm will contribute with their strong expertise in disruptive technologies and international business development.'

About ABA English

ABA English is a Barcelona based start-up that was born with the mission of democratizing English learning in the world. It created a platform on which English is taught in an effective and entertaining manner: with short films shot in locations such as Barcelona, New York and London.

In ABA English the language is learned through a natural method which simulates the speaker's natural process in a real life context, as a child learns his mother tongue: first, one understands and learns to speak, then grammar and writing are learned. Thus, the course is useful for both beginners and advanced students who wish to perfect their English or want to prepare for an exam.

About Nauta Capital

Nauta Capital is a Venture Capital firm investing in early stage technology companies. Main areas of interest include B2B Software propositions, disruptive Digital Media companies, and enabling technologies for Mobile and the Internet. Nauta has $230 million under management and invests in Western Europe and the USA. Nauta has presence in London (UK), Boston, MA (USA), and Barcelona (Spain). In addition to ABA English, existing investments include leading companies like Scytl, Eyeview Digital, Brandwatch, Social Point, Privalia and Greatcall.