Kahoot! has acquired Drops, a game-based language learning platform, to further expand its global learning platform and make language learning awesome for millions of Kahoot! users worldwide as well as bring the magic of Kahoot! to Drop users.
According to a company’s statement, Kahoot! will pay $31 million in cash, plus up to $19 million, based on Drops performance from 2020 to 2022. The consideration will be settled in a combination of cash and shares, and the transaction is expected to be completed in November 2020.
Founded in 2012 and based in Tallinn, Estonia, Drops teaches the essentials of language – alphabets and vocabulary – by combining a colorful interface and simple illustrations with visual association and using a game-based approach. It is one of the fastest-growing language platforms in the world, with 42 languages and 25 million users since launch and counting. Drops was named the best app of the year by Google in 2018.
Drops makes three main apps. First is an eponymous freemium app that helps adults learn new languages with a focus on vocabulary. It is built around 5-minute, snackable sessions of swipe-based word games. Drops’ second app, Scripts, teaches learners how to read and write (and in the case of ASL, sign), covering 4 alphabets and 4 character-based writing systems. Its third app, Droplets, is aimed specifically at language learning for learners aged 8-17.
Commenting on the development, Eilert Hanoa, CEO, Kahoot! said in a statement,
“We are thrilled to welcome Drops to the expanding Kahoot! family as we advance towards our vision to become the leading learning platform in the world. Drops offerings and innovative learning model are a perfect match to Kahoot!’s mission of making learning awesome through a simple, game-based approach. Drops and language learning becomes the latest addition to our growing offerings of learning apps for learners of all ages and abilities. We will continue to expand in new areas to make Kahoot! the ultimate learning destination, at home, school or work, and to make learning awesome!”
Kahoot! is on a mission to make learning awesome by empowering everyone, including children, educators, teachers, students, and employees to unlock their full learning potential through its platform. Its platform makes it easy for any individual or organization to create, share, and play learning games that drive compelling engagement. Kahoot! claims that in the last 12 months, more than one billion participating players in over 200 countries attended over 200 million Kahoot! sessions.
The Norway-headquartered company says that the acquisition of Drops is part of its strategy to expand into new areas of learning and make Kahoot! a trusted destination for all learners, whether at school, work or home.
Daniel Farkas, Co-founder and CEO, Drops, said in a statement,
“The entire Drops team has spent the last five years building a new way to learn language, and we’re just getting started. We’ve introduced millions of users across the globe to our playful, dynamic approach to language learning. Kahoot! is doing the same for all types of learning. We’re excited to work with such a mission-aligned company to introduce the Drops platform to game-loving learners everywhere.”
Language learning has exploded due to globalization as well as, more recently, due to the surge in e-learning as schools and businesses across the globe adapt to remote learning. The global digital language learning market is expected to reach more than $8 billion by 2025.
