How many languages do startups need to know?

Siri can answer questions and jokes in 17 different languages. Is there a lot of language, or is it a little bit less? How many languages does a startup need to know to reach all of its target audiences? We studied some of the most successful companies and got some very interesting results.

Features and prices are just some of the reasons for the success of many startups. Many of the "top-of-the-box" services are popular because they have a beautifully designed, easy-to-use mobile and web interface, plus a rich brand reputation. And doing this requires good writing and excellent translation skills.

Take a look at the hotel booking app tonight, which has a quirky but fresh copy that captures the user. or with Uber in France, their interface is stylish and can be adjusted to allow users to order by clicking on "Order Now". In contrast, a bad translation or a mediocre interface will give the user the purchase.

Over the past decade, the technology industry has been adept at capturing opportunities for growth. A start-up can grow from 100 users to millions of users in a flash, as is the emerging market. Startups are also vying for global leadership and local market share, which requires them to constantly localize their products, increase regional practicality and build support centers.

The problem is the localization of the content

Until now, the localization process for content has been increasing linearly. Whenever you go into a new market that speaks a new language, you need to adapt the existing content to the market all over again. For example, tonight's hotel reservation requires the localization of 3,500 hotel listings in every language. There's a mountain of content waiting to be localized in similar services like Airbnb and Uber. At what stage, then, will this localization cost outweigh the gains of these nascent startups?

Last year, more than 50% of U.S. companies sold products and services overseas. 2015, to reach 90% of the global online audience needs to be localized in 25 languages. In 2020, 48 languages were needed to reach the same percentage of netizens (data from the SVB IEO 2014 report).

How many languages do startups need to know?