Founded about 15 years ago by two professors at Carleton College who wanted to create a French/English dictionary for students,
Ultralingua has evolved from a small side project to a robust company headed for impressive growth.
The professors--a French linguist and a computer science prof--envisioned a quick-and-easy product that would reduce the need for reference books. They launched an initial version in 1997, and then eventually started making mobile apps for that early handheld organizer, the PalmPilot.
In 2008, when Apple launched its App Store, the company found itself on the fast track. "We grew really quickly, really suddenly," says Ashleigh Lincoln, Marketing and Communications Coordinator at the company. "After being two guys working in a garage, all of a sudden, we were a fast-growing business."
The firm has eight full-time employees, but is ramping up hiring, Lincoln says. They're looking for software developers and marketing gurus, but they're willing to take their time in finding the right fit. "This is a very fast-paced startup environment and our team is small," she says. "So we're really picky about getting the right fit for our culture."
It's possible that Lincoln and other team members will have to speed up the search. Ultralingua is experiencing rapid growth and gaining new customers every day, and the company is considering a move into phrase books and word games, expanding their capability beyond dictionary apps.
"We're having fun making the word games, and everyone is interested in pursuing that," says Lincoln. "We're excited to see where we can go from here."
Source: Ashleigh Lincoln, Ultralingua
Writer: Elizabeth Millard