Localazy is a Czech localization and translation management platform for software and other digital products, based in Brno. Founded in 2020 by Václav Hodek, it provides a cloud service for managing multilingual content and automating translation workflows, including the use of AI translation.[1] It serves clients across Europe, North and South America, Africa, and Asia.[2][3][4]
| Company type | Private (limited liability company) |
|---|---|
| Industry | Software localization, translation technologies, SaaS |
| Founded | 2020 |
| Founder | Václav Hodek |
| Headquarters | , |
Key people | Václav Hodek CEO, Jan Bílek CTO, Jakub Dubec CMO |
| Products | Localazy platform (Translation management system) |
| Website | localazy |
History
editFounding
editLocalazy was founded in 2020 in Brno, Czech Republic, by Václav Hodek. The service launched in April 2020 with an initial focus on mobile application localization, including automated handling of translation updates. Hodek developed the concept after earlier work running a software development agency and building his own mobile apps. Challenges in maintaining translations across more than 30 languages led to internal tools that were later developed into the platform. Before Localazy’s launch, his Android project "Floating Apps" had been downloaded over 7.5 million times on Google Play.[5][6][2]
Early development and leadership
editThe concept developed over several years, and a functional MVP was produced after about one year of development, initially oriented toward mobile applications. At the time of launch, Hodek led a five-member team; early roles included product design by Ondřej Půček. By 2023 the company operated with a fully remote team of about ten core members. Hodek has served as the CEO since the company’s founding.[7][2][6]
Funding
editLocalazy received its first external investment on 30 April 2020, when Lighthouse Ventures provided an investment worth several tens of millions of Czech crowns (CZK) to support further development, including preparation of an iOS version.[5]
On 30 June 2023, the company announced a new investment round with JIC Ventures, Garage Angels led by Jiří Hlavenka, and 12 Bullets; the investment round was reported at a €4.5 million valuation. The amount is reported at approximately €0.5 million bringing the total external funding to date at nearly €1 million. The funds would be used for product development, marketing and international expansion.[8][9][7] Lighthouse Ventures remained among the investors.[3]
Products and services
editPlatform
editLocalazy provides a cloud-based localization and translation management platform for software, websites, and other digital products. The platform offers command-line interface and an application programming interface. It works with common file formats and developer integrations.[2][4]
The platform includes AI translation, built-in machine translation and the option to order human translation services within the same environment.[1] Delivery of localized files is available as a usage-based option in addition to subscription access to the software. Automated processes support updates to multilingual content as part of continuous localization.[2][4][3]
Technology
editLocalazy’s technology is delivered as a cloud service with support for continuous localization and automation. AI translation is combined with translation services available within the platform.[1] The system supports a wide range of file formats and integrations used in developer workflows.[2][3][4]
Operations and market
editCustomers and reach
editLocalazy operates in Europe, North and South America, Africa, and Asia; It is used by users from 113 countries. Clients include the Czech virtual cycling application Rouvy and the French cloud computing provider Scaleway. The platform is also used by UNICEF, Donar Online, and CARE. Its customer sectors include mobility, health, and software.[10][2][4]
International expansion
editOn 30 April 2024, Localazy expanded into Poland as part of a plan to strengthen its position in Central and Eastern Europe. The expansion targeted companies and organizations in Poland involved in multilingual communication and international growth. It included partnership offers for foundations, social organizations, venture capital funds, accelerators, and other groups supporting startups.[11][12][13] Localazy operates globally and has users from 113 countries.[3]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c "Václav Hodek on Localazy's Role in the Future of Localization and Translation". FoundersToday. 30 July 2024. Retrieved 21 November 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Startup of the Day: Czech localization platform Localazy". AIN. 18 July 2023. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
- ^ a b c d e "Localazy secures €1M to remove language barriers for 1 billion people worldwide in new investment round". MultiLingual. 30 June 2023. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
- ^ a b c d e "Brno-based Localazy secures €1 million to streamline multilingual processes in software and digital products". EU-Startups. 30 June 2023. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
- ^ a b "Brněnské Localazy získalo desítky milionů na automatické překlady aplikací". Lupa.cz (in Czech). 30 April 2020. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
- ^ a b "Každý má právo používat mobilní aplikace ve svém jazyce, věří Václav Hodek. Jeho nástroj Localazy získává desítky milionů". CzechCrunch (in Czech). 27 April 2020. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
- ^ a b "Czech localization platform Localazy secures €1M at €4.5M valuation". AIN. 30 June 2023. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
- ^ "Localazy secures additional funding to remove language barriers for 1 B people worldwide in a new investment round". Localazy. 30 June 2023. Retrieved 21 November 2025.
- ^ "Zaujali i Hlavenku. Startupisté od Brna berou milionovou investici". Forbes.cz (in Czech). 27 June 2023. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
- ^ "Software localization on autopilot". Localazy. Retrieved 21 November 2025.
- ^ "Localazy brings its localised translation services to Polish brands". Tech.eu. 30 April 2024. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
- ^ "Czech startup Localazy expands into the Polish market". AIN. 30 April 2024. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
- ^ "Jak zmniejszyć bariery językowe w internecie? Czesi mają rozwiązanie". Rzeczpospolita Cyfrowa (in Polish). 3 July 2023. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
External links
editCategory:Companies based in Brno Category:Computer-assisted translation Category:Machine translation software Category:Software-localization tools