Not every language app starts with a grand vision. Promova began in 2019 as something almost embarrassingly simple: a mobile app called Ten Words, where users learned exactly ten new vocabulary words per day using flashcards.
The idea was really simple: every day, users could learn 10 words of their choice with the help of flashcards. What came next, though, is a proper startup story.
By the summer of 2022, the product had outgrown its original concept. The app evolved into a comprehensive language-learning platform and was rebranded as “Promova.”
The name is a nod to its roots: Promova is a Ukrainian word meaning “speech,” and splitting it into two words gives you “pro mova” – “about language.”
As a Ukrainian-founded product, the team decided to go with this name to honor Ukrainian roots and express gratitude to Ukrainian defenders fighting against Russian aggression.
About Promova
| Sector | Education / EdTech |
| Industry | Language Learning |
| CEO | Andrew Skrypnyk |
| Website | promova.com |
| Headquarters | Limassol, Cyprus; Kyiv, Ukraine |
| Founded | April 2019 |
| Status | Private |
Who’s Behind It?
Promova’s CEO and co-founder is Andrew Skrypnyk, whose team originates from Genesis, one of the most prominent players in the Ukrainian tech market.
In 2021, Skrypnyk was awarded 30 Under 30 by Forbes Ukraine. The company is part of the Boosters brand under the Genesis family of brands, and Promova is consistently listed as one of the five top apps in the App Store and Google Play in its genre in more than 50 countries around the world.
Promova is a team of 120+ lifelong learners – philologists, certified teachers, language enthusiasts – from Ukraine, Europe and the US. In addition, 70% of managers (Lead, Head, C level) are women.
What Promova Actually Offers?
To say Promova is a “language app” is an understatement. It delivers an individualized learning journey, with bite-sized content in self-learning programs, tutoring (one-on-one and group lessons with professional tutors), and conversation clubs.
From 2024, the language courses will also incorporate AI learning tools for conversation practice and pronunciation detection.
Currently, 12 languages are available: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Arabic, Korean, Chinese, and Ukrainian.
Promova is not only teaching you vocabulary structures; the lessons focus on practical conversation, culture, and fluency.
For companies looking to upskill their workforce, Promova has a dedicated B2B offering. Corporate English language training through Promova for Business gives teams access to structured courses, certified tutors, analytics to track progress, and customized learning paths aligned to professional needs, whether that’s client-facing communication, technical vocabulary, or preparing staff for international markets.
Milestones Worth Knowing
The company has racked up an impressive list of landmarks in a short time:
- In November 2023, Promova provided all Ukrainians with three years of free access to its language courses as part of Ukraine’s Future Perfect national program, supporting President Zelensky’s law recognizing English as the official language of international communication.
- In December 2023, Promova was recognized as one of the 25 most prominent Ukrainian startups by Forbes magazine.
- In April 2024, on National ASL Day in the US, Promova launched a free American Sign Language course covering emergency communication scenarios.
- In June 2024, Promova won the 2024 EdTechX Awards in the Language Learning category.
By the Numbers
As of early 2025, Promova counted 23M+ total downloads, 46M lessons taken, and a 4.7 app rating. Those aren’t vanity metrics – they reflect a platform that people actually keep using rather than deleting after a week.
Promova isn’t trying to be the biggest app on the market. It’s focused on being a genuinely useful one: goal-oriented, personalized, and built around the uncomfortable truth that most language learners fail not because they lack ability, but because the tools they use don’t hold their attention past day three.
FAQs
When was Promova founded?
Promova was launched in 2019 under the original name Ten Words. It was rebranded to Promova in the summer of 2022 after evolving from a simple flashcard app into a full language learning platform.
Who is the CEO of Promova?
Andrew Skrypnyk is the CEO and co-founder of Promova. He was featured in Forbes Ukraine’s 30 Under 30 list in 2021.
How many languages does Promova support?
Promova offers 12 languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Arabic, Korean, Chinese, and Ukrainian. It also has a free course in American Sign Language that can be added.
Is Promova available for businesses?
Yes. Promova for Business provides language training for businesses, including certified tutors, courses, and progress reports for teams, which is ideal for companies working in multilingual or international markets.
Is Promova a Ukrainian company?
Yes. Promova is a Ukrainian startup based in the Genesis tech hub with offices in Ukraine, Europe and the US.
