ELSA, a mobile app that helps language learners improve their English speaking skills and pronunciation, has raised a Series B round of $15 million in new capital. This round was co-led by VI (Vietnam Investments) Group and SIG. Previous investors Gradient Ventures, Google's AI-focused venture fund, SOSV, and Monk's Hill Ventures also participated in this round. New investors are Endeavor Catalyst, Globant Ventures and U2's The Edge (David Evans).

Founded in 2015 by Stanford alum Ms. Vu Van, and Dr. Xavier Anguera, a veteran in speech recognition and AI, ELSA is a mobile app for language learners that helps them improve pronunciation and reduce accents, utilizing in-house speech recognition, automated feedback and deep learning technology. The inspiration for ELSA, the 2016 SXSWEdu winner, came when Vu realized that pronunciation and accent often pose as a hindrance for non-native employees in business.