Yoodli, an innovative startup focused on AI-driven communication training, has achieved a remarkable valuation exceeding $300 million—more than triple its valuation from just six months prior. This growth is fueled by the recent completion of a $40 million Series B funding round, led by WestBridge Capital, with participation from Neotribe and Madrona. This follows a successful $13.7 million Series A round announced in May, bringing Yoodli’s total funding to nearly $60 million.
Unlike many AI solutions that raise concerns about job displacement, Yoodli aims to enhance human capabilities. Established in Seattle in 2021 by Varun Puri and former Apple engineer Esha Joshi, the four-year-old startup leverages AI to create realistic training scenarios—covering everything from sales pitches to leadership assessments. Users benefit from structured practice to refine their speaking abilities.
Puri, a former Google X division member, acknowledged the communication challenges he experienced as an immigrant to the U.S., which inspired the creation of Yoodli. “In the past, training often relied on static content or passive videos, but that approach doesn’t truly facilitate learning,” he explained.
Notable clients, including Google, Snowflake, and Databricks, utilize Yoodli for enhancing employee training while independent coaching firms like Franklin Covey also incorporate the software to tailor training methodologies. “Our aim isn’t to replace human coaches; rather, we want them to provide personal feedback,” Puri emphasized, advocating for the irreplaceable value of human insight.
Yoodli’s platform is compatible with various large language models, such as Google’s Gemini and OpenAI’s GPT, allowing users to select the model that fits their needs. The software is accessible via web browsers and supports multiple languages, including Korean, Japanese, and several Indian dialects. Notably, the company opted against developing a dedicated mobile app to simplify user experience during training.
While Puri did not disclose user numbers, he highlighted a 50% increase in role-play activities on the platform between funding rounds, along with a staggering 900% growth in average recurring revenue over the past year. This impressive performance attracted investor interest sooner than expected.
The latest funding will bolster Yoodli’s efforts in refining its AI coaching, analytics, and personalization tools, as well as expanding within the professional development sector. With around 40 employees, the company plans to hire additional talent and extend its market reach into the Asia-Pacific region while deepening its presence in the U.S.
