In 2024 I was managing a mid-sized robotics company in France. We were hiring dozens of blue collar workers and software engineers. Some of our best candidates came from outside of the EU. Hiring meant sponsoring their visa application and various administrative processes to have permission to work and live in France.

At the time, the law required them to learn French at A2 and B1 levels and prepare for the corresponding exams (TCF or DELF). As they were working they couldn't find tutors that could be available off work hours and affordable. My HR team explored every option. The effective ones were too expensive (1:1 in person tutoring: hello private language schools!). The affordable ones were ineffective and offered no guarantee of success.

So we waited... Positions stayed open: bad for us as a team and as a company, bad for them as individuals, bad for the overall French economy, who were missing top talent opportunities.

After the company was sold, I found out that this wasn't a niche issue.

Every year, 20 million people take exams to work and/or live in the EU, 30+ million prepare for these exams. They are deeply motivated students and professionals. The problem has been getting more acute as governments have tightened the language criteria for access to residency, studies and citizenships.

As many founders, I discovered AI and was amazed by its potential to solve the problem. When trained by specialists, AI can know the details and the nitty-gritty of exams. AI can be a good tutor and examiner. Speaking with AI can be fun. AI gives valuable advice to teachers and learners. Best of all, AI is flexible and can be used at any time of the day - no appointments to make.

A few months in, we have just launched our beta product… technology does have the social impact I hoped for.

If this resonates with you, get in touch

Edouard, founder