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Michael Peled is the co-founder and CEO of groina comprehensive English education platform that teaches language through music. “People choose songs they like, then choose words in the lyrics for instant translation and expand their vocabulary faster and easier,” Peled explained in a phone call with entrepreneur.
SingIt is currently being used by 500,000 students in 12 countries and recently surpassed $1 million in annual recurring revenue. “With our new consumer channels, specifically focusing on the Latino population in the US, and over 5,000 paying customers, we are poised to disrupt the market,” says Peled. Read on to learn more about the innovative teaching tool and the driving force behind the 23-year-old tech founder's passion for learning.
Please give us the company elevator pitch.
SingIt is transforming English language education by integrating AI-driven technology with a library of over 5 million songs. We provide personalized learning experiences tailored to the needs of each learner, turning the most addictive apps into powerful language acquisition tools.
What gave you the idea?
My father learned English in the 70s from John Lennon and Bob Dylan songs. This made me realize that music can be an incredible tool for language learning, especially for people like me with dyslexia. I had to work eight times harder in school to achieve the same results as my peers. That determination, combined with enterprising parents who always believed in me, propelled me forward. I strongly believe that having just one person to push and support you can make all the difference.
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How did you start?
I developed SingIt as my final project in a program for gifted children at the Weizmann Institute. It grew into an app that is now used by 500,000 students worldwide and has been endorsed by Ministries of Education around the world.
What kind of training did you have before developing Singit?
At 17, I was mining Ethereum on my school's lab computers, but my business success didn't stem from there. My passion for technology and curiosity about how money is made started when I was 9 years old. Although I am not materialistic and consider myself quite frugal, I have always been attracted to entrepreneurship. By the time I was 16, I was making over $100,000 a year photographing events while others partied. Growing up in a family of investment bankers also opened doors to key relationships, including a mentor who introduced me to insurance.
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Ultimately, my success came from being relentlessly curious, always seizing opportunities and having a strong desire to learn from others. Since then, my focus has been on creating lasting impact, not just financial gain. SingIt's mission is to democratize education and make learning accessible to everyone.
What do you hope to achieve with SingIt?
I want SingIt to become a cornerstone of education, enabling millions of children to learn English in a fun, engaging and accessible way. My goal is to make English a second language globally. In many countries, fluency in English can increase wages up to four times and open up new opportunities, especially in poorer regions, connecting them to the global economy.
What is your best advice for entrepreneurs pitching to investors?
Persistence is the key. Be relentless in pursuing your vision and make sure your product solves a real problem. For example, when I secured the music licenses for SingIt, I didn't stop until I won over the biggest players in the industry.
Do you have a personal mantra that helps you stay motivated?
Be prepared to outwork every person in the room, including your toughest competitors. True success requires relentless effort, courage and unwavering perseverance. Every obstacle is an opportunity to rise above. Remember: “If you want, it's not a dream.” Lead with passion, push your limits and show the world what's possible when you refuse to give up.
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