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DeepL

Deep learning for language translation

501-1000 employees
  • B2C
  • B2B
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Enterprise
  • Languages
  • Machine Learning
  • SaaS
  • API
  • Automation
Maarweg 165, 50825 Cologne, Germany

Company mission

DeepL's mission is to overcome language barriers and bring cultures closer together.

Top investors

Many candidates hear
back within 2 weeks

103% employee growth in 12 months

Otta's take

Sam Franklin headshot

Sam Franklin

CEO of Otta

DeepL is a deep tech company developing neural networks that help people work with languages. The company has developed a remarkable translation service that covers 26 languages to a level that, it claims, outperforms major tech companies three times over. It’s one of the most visited free translation services in key regions across the globe, including China, Japan, and Germany.

All this success is to say that DeepL have managed to master what services like Google or Bing Translate have not quite yet - grasping the sense and complexity of the sentence and its context. This is remarkable, and has proven invaluable too. DeepL expanded from its free service to aggressively pursue enterprise clients with DeepL Pro - and is now deeply integrated into the operations of customers like Nokia, Siemens, and Deutsche Bahn.

This rapidly ballooning success since DeepL’s 2017 launch speaks to the quality of the company’s talent and management, and its market-leading service gives it the freedom to pivot. Exact details on its expansion are light on the ground, but it’s been beefing up its engineering and product teams, and has its sights set on becoming “Europe’s leading AI company”. With its outstanding history of success in this fast-growth market, DeepL certainly has a strong chance.

Benefits

  • Flexible working-from-home
  • Additional Occupational health and Accident Coverage
  • Hack Fridays
  • Work from home abroad
  • Regular international team events
  • Remote home office setup (furniture and equipment)
  • Mental wellbeing platform

Company values

  • Collaboration and teamwork: We create a positive and trust-based environment, where a diverse and knowledgeable team works together in an empathetic way
  • Flexibility in decision-making: We empower our team to own their decisions, free of micromanagement or a top-down mentality, and to embrace creativity and experimentation
  • Quality in execution: We strive for the highest quality work, to reach and help as many people as we can
  • Caring for one another: We care deeply about our team and invest in their happiness, productivity, and personal and professional development
  • Overcoming language barriers: We aim to improve communication and help foster global connection and understanding
  • Trust: We trust our team. By giving them the freedom to choose when and where to work, we create an inclusive culture and a positive work-life balance

Funding (1 round)

Jan 2023

$107.3m

LATE VC

$107.3m

Total funding

This company has top investors

Founders

Originally the Head of Software Development at Andagon, before moving on to serve as CTO at Linguee - which resulted in the founding of DeepL.

Diversity & Inclusion at DeepL

  • Our diversity is one of our biggest strengths as a company, and we delight in the opportunity to work with DeeopLe from all corners of the globe and all walks of life. Here are some examples of what we currently do to ensure our company is welcoming and inclusive of everyone:
  • Our remote work policy makes work at DeepL accessible to parents, caregivers and those with additional needs that may form barriers to office work
  • We aim to eliminate bias from hiring via ‘blind feedback’- interviewers can’t see each other’s notes or any information about a candidate that is not directly related to their experience and skills
  • We actively reach out to underrepresented groups within that team when hiring for a new position
  • We make decisions collaboratively within our teams, not top-down- this means the diverse voices within DeepL are not just in the room but actively being heard and listened to with every move we make
  • We use inclusive language in our job descriptions and listen to advice about how to make them accessible to all applicants
  • We create diverse interview panels wherever possible to ensure candidates feel seen by people they can relate to
  • However, we know that we could do more- and we want to! Here are some of the steps we have in mind for the future:
  • Have a visible presence at industry events targeting underrepresented groups within tech, and start to organise events of our own
  • Continue to promote DeeopLe from diverse backgrounds into leadership positions within our teams
  • Continue to support shared interest groups within the company to allow people with shared difficulties or barriers in the industry to collaborate and support one another
  • Do you have some more ideas about what we could do to make DeepL more inclusive? Hit ‘apply’, and you can tell us all about it in the interview…

Endorsements

All

Intelligent people (6)

Meaningful work (5)

Flexible working (5)

Autonomy (4)

Opportunities to learn (3)

Open and honest communication (3)

Focus on employee wellbeing (3)

Tech & tools (2)

Nice people (2)

My opinions are valued (2)

Micromanaging just doesn't happen here. You're given the tools to get your job done and then you get it done. It's simple, you're hired to do a job and as such are treated with respect

Software Engineering

Autonomy

Jul 2023

Everyone is friendly and the culture promotes friendships and brilliant interactions. I frequently ask my peers for recommendations on things I enjoy, such as coffee and the responses are always fantastic

Software Engineering

Nice people

Jul 2023

The diversity in DeepL is more than just surface level. They actively try to learn how to be more inclusive and promote being yourself. There is no point in hiring diversity but then enforcing everyone to behave the same. DeepL really let you thrive as an individual

Software Engineering

Diversity is a priority

Jul 2023

Everyone is super passionate about the tech and the product, so every day is an amazing chance to learn - not only within your team, but also in the form of cross-functional projects. The benefits only increase that opportunity!

People, HR, Recruitment

Opportunities to learn

Jul 2023

We hire excellent people, both culturally and technically. Having so many different cultures, nationalities and characters at DeepL, it still always clicks. It's amazing to be able to learn from other cultures.

People, HR, Recruitment

Intelligent people

Jul 2023

We have a super flexible work culture with full remote setups and working hours. Other benefits even expand that flexibility! DeepL not only cares about ones physical, but also the mental wellbeing - we have great structures and incentives in place

People, HR, Recruitment

Focus on employee wellbeing

Jul 2023

Super high level tools and advancing with most basic human needs. The team is super tech oriented and I appreciate the chances to experience different technical areas.

People, HR, Recruitment

Tech & tools

Jul 2023

My work hours differ from a. normal 9-5 and to have a chance to innovate, I am provided a chance to work in my peak productivity hours. I also like the positive fully remote working which is very conducive to my wellbeing.

People, HR, Recruitment

Flexible working

Jul 2023

DeepL uses a variety of sources to provide a benchmark that is very fair and provide high promotions. I appreciate that I was offered higher than my expectations and thereafter promoted with a higher compensation as I performed exceptionally well within 7 months.

People, HR, Recruitment

Fair compensation

Jul 2023

I am very happy to be working for an AI company and to be able to actively influence the latest trends and possibilities of this exciting technology. DeepL rightly has a very good reputation for translation quality and reliability.

Sales & Account Management

Tech & tools

Jul 2023

From day one, I was given a lot of freedom to design and implement my work, which is very important to me. Nevertheless, there are always helpful colleagues who can help you further. Furthermore, I have never experienced such a detailed and well thought-out onboarding for new employees.

Sales & Account Management

Autonomy

Jul 2023

It is the first time in my working life that I work for a company whose product I can absolutely stand behind. And it makes a huge difference. I simply enjoy working here because the product makes the world a little bit better. That is also the understanding of most colleagues at DeepL.

Sales & Account Management

Meaningful work

Jul 2023

DeepL is growing very quickly and autonomy is necessary as there are a lot of new things coming in all the time! It is also part of DeepL's vision, they want to offer a flexible working environment.

Sales & Account Management

Autonomy

Jul 2023

Management is putting a lot of effort since a few months into recruiting the right people with the right team/culture fit. People are nice and friendly!

Sales & Account Management

Nice people

Jul 2023

Time and schedules are not tracked by management and flexible working is encouraged for everyone. You don't need to take sick leave when going to the doctor or things like that.

Sales & Account Management

Flexible working

Jul 2023

The business is growing fast. So if you come in with a lot of experience, you can apply quickly as we're building so much, and because we're also building, you can learn how to do that too. As we shift to a greater focus on B2B, a lot of GTM team members are learning to think differently about what different stakeholders want. There are 'functional internships' that allow you to sit with other team members to understand their day to day. There are formal trainings provided for all roles, with a focus on professional development you don't see in other younger or older companies.

Operations & Strategy

Opportunities to learn

Jul 2023

DeepL is a much loved product in Europe and Japan but the opportunity to introduce it to users in North America, LATAM, Middle East, and more of Asia is incredibly exciting. It feels like one of the few growing companies in tech that is hiring right now, but hiring smartly. Having been part of earlier waves of rapid tech hiring, DeepL is being smart about what roles need to be brought on and how quickly.

Operations & Strategy

Growing fast

Jul 2023

Great team energy. This describes the mix of highly motivated individuals who are also incredibly smart and experienced, and are keen on working collaboratively to build a business. Everyone knows there are challenges and roadblocks, but we are rowing as a team to improve things. The culture is set from the top and reinforced at all levels. Strong marks for the leadership team, who are mature, professional and supportive.

Operations & Strategy

Team energy

Jul 2023

Everyone that I've met at DeepL is engaged, thoughtful and an expert in their field. In addition, the culture is such that knowledge sharing is encouraged, and everyone is willing to take the time to share their expertise with others, resulting in a well-rounded, aligned team.

Operations & Strategy

Intelligent people

Jul 2023

For a remote-first company, communication at DeepL is the best I've ever encountered in a business. Online tools and regular calls are leveraged to communicate business changes, challenges and successes to all levels of the company.

Operations & Strategy

Open and honest communication

Jul 2023

For a fast-growing, fast-paced business, it's incredible to see that employee wellbeing is still one of the top priorities. Senior leadership realise that a happy team with a good work/life balance is a motivated, efficient team. Regular events are scheduled to encourage employees to bond and blow off steam, and working smarter, not harder is the priority.

Operations & Strategy

Focus on employee wellbeing

Jul 2023

This company is full of intelligent and very open-minded people. Everyone is working for a good cause and having fun in the team at the same time. Everything is very transparent and they really care about their employees. Mental and physical health at work is taken very seriously.

Operations & Strategy

Open and honest communication

Jul 2022

The energies within the team are really something special. We support each other in every possible way. Teamleads always keep you updated and take care of you as an employee.

Operations & Strategy

Team energy

Jul 2022

We are not just a software company. Our goal is to break the language barriers and impact everyone's daily life. To open a gateway to understand and communicate with each other - which is the key to a better world.

Operations & Strategy

Meaningful work

Jul 2022

The CEO has kids himself and especially through Covid made clear that family is the most important thing in life and a job is only a job. The company truly lives that and accepts that life gets in the way.

Software Engineering

Family friendly

Jul 2022

I never have the feeling that anything going on is being hidden from the employees. When something goes good it’s communicated the same way if it doesn’t.

Software Engineering

Open and honest communication

Jul 2022

Jarek is a great leader and really cares about DeepL. He is super approachable and has an ear for you no matter your position in the company. He has a great vision and has found the people who support him on that.

Software Engineering

Strong leadership

Jul 2022

We are doing many things differently than others and still everything works exceptionally well. There are tons of new things to learn everyday.

Other Engineering

Challenging work

Jul 2022

The hierarchies are very flat and it is easy to reach out to other teams to work together on things.

Other Engineering

Great work is recognised

Jul 2022

It is quite easy and appreciated to bring in your ideas and get enough room to work on it. I never felt I have to work on something I disagree about.

Other Engineering

Autonomy

Jul 2022

It feels great to have that kind of freedom to be really creative and contribute with ideas to our products and teams development. This is only possible because you know that people respect and value your opinion at DeepL.

People, HR, Recruitment

My opinions are valued

Jul 2022

It is a big plus not only to be able to work flexible hours, but also to know that our team is so considerate and understanding when I need some time for my family. DeepL also offers a truly stress-free approach for those who want to work from home and/or from the office: You are free to decide what is most suitable for you.

People, HR, Recruitment

Flexible working

Jul 2022

The opportunity to work together with colleagues from all different backgrounds is part of what makes the working environment at DeepL so special and unique. I have always felt incredibly welcome in this company!

People, HR, Recruitment

People of all backgrounds are welcomed

Jul 2022

At DeepL, our mission is to break down language barriers. We deliver a product, based on cutting edge, innovative research, that our users love because it helps to unlock their true potential. Both in the private and professional realm.

Software Engineering

Meaningful work

Jul 2022

Our culture is built on the importance of people and their ideas. An idea -- no matter how wild --, opinion or suggestion on how to improve our product, our culture, ourselves, ... is always welcome. This empowers us to become the best versions of ourselves; individually and collectively.

Software Engineering

My opinions are valued

Jul 2022

DeepL puts people first. There are various programs to cater for its employees' physical and mental health. Working hours and even locations are, wherever possible, flexible so they can fit their lives.

Software Engineering

Focus on employee wellbeing

Jul 2022

We have amazing experts at DeepL - some people used to work for universities, and now are with us :) We also have real language freaks, and I really adore the fact that I can practice my target languages with my colleagues every single day. It helps me to grow and learn more.

Product

Intelligent people

Jul 2022

DeepL was my favourite service long before I was even thinking about joining the company. I loved it, and I still love it and use it after work – I think it's way better than Google Translate, and I see every single day how our specialists use the latest technologies to make it even better. It's a great thing to be a part of it!

Product

Innovative product

Jul 2022

Even though I work remotely, I don't feel like I am underpaid comparing to my colleagues working from the office. My salary is good, and it motivates me to do my best at work – let's be honest here, it's an important factor for every employee, as you won't pay your bills with "amazing atmosphere" and "great team" (although we have them too at DeepL) :)

Product

Fair compensation

Jul 2022

You get time and all the resources you need so that you can learn everything you need for your daily job and beyond. There are initiatives to let you learn whatever you want (even not-work related topics).

Software Engineering

Opportunities to learn

Jul 2022

You help people communicate with their coworkers, families and friends around the world. DeepL helps people to connect with each other and students to learn. All this for free so that everybody is able to get the best translation quality in the web.

Software Engineering

Meaningful work

Jul 2022

Needless to say that a startup like DeepL doesn't only *need* the best talent in the world but also attracts it. You meet world-class talented colleagues everywhere. And on top of that all people here are happy to teach and spread their knowledge.

Software Engineering

Intelligent people

Jul 2022

Working hours are flexible under the principle of responsible autonomy, where each member of the team is takes responsibility for delivering value, regardless of when the work is actually undertaken.

Other Engineering

Flexible working

Jul 2022

Deepl simply has the most advance translation product on the planet, and with plans to include even more languages, the company is poised to change how the people of earth communicate, and thereby relate to each other.

Other Engineering

Innovative product

Jul 2022

The sheer level of brainpower that is brough to bear at DeepL is simply staggering. Other than just delivering a product, DeepL is also a research organization working at the very bleeding edge of machine learning.

Other Engineering

Intelligent people

Jul 2022

I love working at DeepL because we have such a great product and we can help people and businesses communicate better and break down language barriers.

Sales & Account Management

Meaningful work

Jul 2022

The people at DeepL are brilliant, interesting and interested, which makes it possible to learn a lot about a variety of subjects, mostly technology and languages, but also many others.

Sales & Account Management

Intelligent people

Jul 2022

The working hours, the place of work, the way of working, everything is flexible, which allows to have a WORK/life balance as it is rare to find.

Sales & Account Management

Flexible working

Jul 2022

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