Duolingo’s CEO, Luis von Ahn, has announced plans to make the company “AI-first,” with artificial intelligence playing a crucial role in hiring and employee reviews. In a memo to employees shared on LinkedIn, von Ahn outlined his vision for the company’s future, prioritizing speed over perfection when it comes to AI implementation.
AI-Driven Changes
The company will gradually stop using contractors for tasks that AI can handle, and AI proficiency will become a factor in both hiring decisions and performance evaluations. Headcount growth will be limited unless a team can demonstrate that they cannot automate more of their work. Most functions within the company will be expected to fundamentally change how they operate using AI.
Previous AI Implementations
This isn’t the first time Duolingo has turned to AI to streamline operations. In early 2024, the company laid off 10% of its contract workers after implementing AI to generate content. Similar cuts were made in 2023 due to AI-related changes. Von Ahn emphasized that while AI will replace some roles, it won’t replace full-time employees.
Industry Context
Duolingo is not alone in its push for AI integration. Other tech giants, such as Uber and Shopify, have also made it clear that AI is no longer optional. Uber’s CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, has stated that his company is implementing training programs to ensure employees know how to use AI effectively. Shopify’s Tobias Lütke has made AI a fundamental expectation for all employees, requiring teams to justify why they cannot achieve their goals using AI before requesting additional headcount.
Future Prospects
Duolingo’s stock has seen a 68% rise in the last year, partly due to the growth of its paid premium tiers. The company is also diversifying its offerings beyond language learning by trialing chess and launching music courses. As the company prepares to report its first-quarter earnings, von Ahn’s emphasis on AI integration positions Duolingo at the forefront of the tech industry’s AI revolution.
