ImmerseMe: Using Virtual Reality to Learn Languages

I believe that this pitch lacks focus and comes across as a ploy to go on an extended vacation. And what does slam poetry have to do with learning a new language?!?! Beyond that as an investor I do not see any attempts to protect IP. There is absolutely nothing that I can see that would stop any number of competitors from swooping in and doing exactly the same thing and blocking this start-up venture with an unproven CEO from finding even the slightest foothold in any potential market. I do believe VR has a unique opportunity to influence communications based problems, such as learning a new language. However there does not seem to be anything here other than an idea that any number of people have probably thought of and/ or are in the process of executing on. Plus, I really don't need your mom to tell me what a good idea this is!!! For those reasons I definitely would not invest.

This pitch demonstrates an engaging product that has the potential to have a large impact. Yes, I would invest in this product because of the potential that it has. This would be a higher risk investment, but it potentially has a high return. As previously mentioned, this product has the protentional to bridge a gap in Asian countries where students learn the grammar of English but do not have the ability to practice. The use of VR technology gives them that opportunity. With the rate of immigration that is happening the number of non-English speakers living in English speaking countries is rising. A product like this could be used in a wide range of Language Programs or schools to help bridge that gap as well. This situation is not limited to English, it could be used for many languages. Within schools, especially in parts of Canada, students are hesitant to learn a second language, namely French, as a result of several poor experiences. The use of VR technology within a high school or middle school French class could help raise the level of engagement, which has the potential to increase the desire to learn French in later years or could lead to jobs in a French (or another language) role. As mentioned in the pitch, there are also other avenues that this could be used, in travel, business, etc. However, the risks include, at this point, a small amount of languages present to be learned, a small production team and the cost of VR technology to the public and education. VR technology has become more affordable and as advances are made in this technology the affordability of it will rise. If this product and team could be paired with a well-connected team that could take it to the next level (marketing, development and production) it has the potential to help build language skills and communication. I would invest, understanding that there are several risks involved that may yield a lower return.

As a language instructor, I would love to use ImmerseMe in EFL classrooms; but as an EVA, I would not invest. By immersing individuals in common language learning scenarios via VR, this venture does have the potential to address a market gap in English language training, especially in Asian countries such as South Korea and Japan where students study English vocabulary and grammar all throughout grade school but lack opportunities to improve their fluency and pronunciation skills in "real-life" everyday situations. I had to make an assumption of which types of language learners were being targeted for this venture: those in K-12 or adult ESL/EFL classrooms (through the inclusion of clips from credible sources such as teachers that believe this technology would be beneficial in their classrooms), and casual, DIY language learners (through the comment "Soon, you can order a baguette in Paris from the comfort of your couch."). However, there was no mention of how these two distinct target markets were going to be marketed to and how the technology's application may differ, which is especially important to consider for classroom settings due to varying levels of access to technology and lack of researched evidence of the effects of VR on language learning. The founder seemed to not only be energetic and passionate about both language learning and the VR technology itself, but he was also well prepared in terms of having a beta program to present to investors, feedback from language learning experts and VR connoisseurs, and next steps planned (VR tour around the world to collect content) for the venture. The biggest reason why I would not invest in this venture is because of where I believe it is lacking: in its differentiation from alternative products. Currently, this venture requires consumers to own or have access to a VR device capable of running its program. While ImmerseMe is a great pioneering technology, I do believe there are already more cost-friendly options such as apps that can be downloaded to your mobile device and paired with products as cheap as a Google Cardboard ($25), and for that reason, I'm out.

No, I would not invest. The pain point here is that while people learn a language in a classroom, they're not able to practice in an authentic stimulating environment. This VR technology pretends giving people the 'experience' being in France or Italy while learning the language. Well I don’t think this technology resolves the pain point. A VR simulation is nothing like the real experience of travelling to another country. The experience sounds rather boring to me, very similar to the classic classroom activities of pretending that you are in a French restaurant and have to order etc…This VR experience seems also full of clichés, Gondola in Venice, baguettes in Paris… Plus this technology is not going to give you accurate feedback when you make mistakes, so you are practicing a language making mistakes that you are not even aware of. Last the leader does not mention any research to back up his invention. Dos students learn a language more efficiently with VR technology? As an administrator, teacher or parent, trainer the only way I would invest in this is if research showed that students learn the language faster and better. There is no evidence showing that. The leader is charismatic though.

NO, I have to agree with many of the other reviews that I would not invest in this product. But all my reasons have already been expressed in other, previous reviews.

As Chief Learning Officer, no, I would not invest in this venture, but only because I am forcing myself to be skeptical and dispassionate!. The pitch was delivered by a charismatic CEO in a very emotionally-engaging, enthusiastic and aesthetically pleasing manner, and this created a high level of persuasiveness for me. The pitch demonstrated credibility by illustrating relatable pain-points (the discomfort of not knowing a language and the embarrassment of practicing a new skill) and providing evidence of support from experts in education and VR communities. Introducing the team through photos and video, as well as their roles, generated perceived credibility as well. Expansion to markets beyond language learners (travel industry) was also indicated. The pitch also included a choice of manageable asks that also clearly indicated next steps in product development. However, the pitch did fall short in terms of identifying how immersive VR is an effective tool for language skill development. ImmerseMe may be effective for increasing confidence in a traveller prior to take off (although this outcome wasn't specified), but this doesn't automatically guarantee increased skill development. It was also unclear how this product would go to market and how much revenue could be generated based on market projections. Who would be buying access to the VR simulations? Schools? Travel agencies? Individual consumers? Who is the market that will own the necessary technology? Is this market sufficient to offset production costs? For these reasons, I would have to say no.

No I wouldn’t invest in this product. It isn’t a bad idea. I appreciate the passion and confidence in the entrepreneur that is pitching this venture, and I can see the current market gap in language acquisition learning programs. Usually you hear that in order to learn Spanish for example, the optimal way to learn the language is to go to an environment of full immersion in Spanish. Although it doesn’t replicate going to a Spanish speaking environment, the use of 360 degree cameras and VR technology offers a solution to bring language education a little closer. I do know for a fact that VR technology, at least at the mass consumer product level, isn't advanced enough for seamless interactivity. I'm skeptical as to how effective direct feedback will be as learners use this product and make mistakes which require feedback. Furthermore, there isn’t anything propriertary or patent-able about using VR technology in teaching language so therefore there isn’t anything stopping language learning program giants like Duolingo or Rosetta stone from adopting a this with their unlimited resources and promoting it for little to no cost to their already expansive customer base. Furthermore, it isn’t clear whether this VR language learning program is a part of a comprehensive language learning course that uses VR as a tool in language practice application, or is the entire learning done in VR? I do have other concerns and questions about the product. First, who exactly will be the customers and how big is the customer base in this space as you are trying to sell to people who: Are looking to learn a new language that isn’t satisfied with what’s currently out there. Own VR technology Are comfortable in using VR technology What do the kickstarter numbers and market research show about that consumer base? Secondly, As your product develops and you profit off of filming various businesses in their natural environments (i.e. restaurants, coffee shops, malls, etc.), what is the business model in terms of revenue sharing with these businesses? There are too many questions about the business and the fact using VR technology to teach language is not proprietary, for those reasons... I would have to be OUT as an investor on this venture. (doing my best dragon’s den impersonation)

I like how they filmed the making of the scenes. It definitely would be dynamic and make it exciting for the learner. I think the real life scenarios are stimulating and powerful. ImmerseMe supports all kinds of learners, but those who are visual learners would benefit the most. For any learner, applying the learning in real life is the challenging part. Around a minute, "the fear of making mistakes.." but making mistakes are part of the learning. The virtual reality aspect allows the feeling that you are no longer with a person, which reduces embarrassment, allowing to increase your confidence to learn more. This is an interesting approach in learning language. I feel that ImmerseMe also allows you to learn geography; cities around the world.

This is a revolutionary way of teaching a foreign language because immersion in that language environment is certainly the ideal way to learn a new language. To be more convincing as a credible language learning tool, the AR lessons could be part of an integrated language skills online course where the student first studies all the language elements of a themed unit. He then practices several structured conversations with his online tutor in the run up to his AR lesson. While participating in the AR experience, a video recording is made of the experience and then sent to his online tutor. His tutor will then meet him again to give feedback, followed by assigning him some follow-up lessons for further practice. If this VR/AR company, ImmerseMe ties up with a company that has already designed complete thematic courses, like Innovative Language (see https://www.innovativelanguage.com/ for company website; see https://www.fluentin3months.com/innovative-language-review/ for a thorough user's review), this will be truly a boon for language learners, especially at the Intermediate level where they are ready for more extensive conversational experiences.

I came across this pitch on Kickstarter as well when looking for language learning ventures: http://kck.st/2LeB7MG. Clearly the Pain Point here is that while people learn a language in a classroom, they're not able to practice in the target language or country. Here, the Solution is giving people the 'experience' of walking the streets of Paris while learning a language. This pitch focused on the Differentiation between AR and traditional classrooms, rather than AR and other online learning platforms or videoconferencing services. There was little involved in Marketing (where and how buyers/users will be reached). Championship: there was also little on the founder's experience with language teaching or learning, though there were mentions of schools and language teachers excited to use this tech. We also heard little about current Competition. Because it's kickstarter, The Ask is anywhere between $10 and $1500 with various rewards attached; a boutique owner in Paris might find that learners eventually seek out her shop and spend money there, having already 'visited' during a language class. Such a Return might seem worthwhile to this business owner/investor. The key issue for me as a language teacher is how students will receive feedback on their language skills; though the founder (of both Language Learning VR/AR companies) mention that students are able to make mistakes, how do we know these are mistakes, or know how to correct them? Is this another way to present content in a flashy manner, or does it truly engage learners and effectively cultivate skills? I can't see how this would be any more effective than finding a tutor with a GoPro to take you through the streets in a synchronous lesson ... perhaps where the learner could interact with locals by audio or video, then receiving feedback from the Go-Pro wearing instructor. Investors, however, may recognize that once feedback is made possible, learning a language through AR/VR will explode; an investment in current companies may yield long-term partnerships or opportunities.