Lessons on creating a $17 billion learning company, going viral with an owl, and ditching short-term thinking with Luis von Ahn (Duolingo)

In this episode of The Eric Ries Show, Eric interviews Luis von Ahn, co-founder and CEO of Duolingo, about the company's success, its unique brand, and the newly launched Duolingo Handbook. They discuss Duolingo's "wholesome but unhinged" social media presence, the company's commitment to a long-term vision over short-term profits, and the principles outlined in the Duolingo Handbook that guide the company's culture and operations. Luis shares early stories, including the realization that their product was too boring, and how they made learning engaging. He emphasizes the importance of balancing monetization with the mission of providing accessible education, and the practices that help Duolingo resist short-term temptations in favor of sustainable growth.