As Wordly marks six years of growth, reaching over 3,000 customers and 4 million users in more than 60 countries, EW sits down with CEO and founder Lakshman Rathnam to explore how his real-time AI translation platform has expanded beyond conference halls.
It has become a global tool for everyday communication, civic engagement, and community connection.
From conference rooms to communities
Originally developed to streamline translation in international conferences, Wordly has grown into a platform that enables real-time, AI-powered translation across both virtual and in-person meetings. Users can scan a QR code with their phone and instantly access text or audio translations in their preferred language whether they’re in a boardroom, a city council meeting, or a house of worship.
“We’re used widely in corporate and association meetings, but we’re increasingly being used in government offices, city halls, and community events,” says Rathnam. “Our aim is to be the default solution in these settings.”
With support for 60 languages and more being added Wordly can provide simultaneous translations to large, diverse audiences. The platform also records transcripts, supports post-event summaries, and works across platforms like Zoom, while still being optimised for live, in-person settings, something Rathnam says sets it apart from tech giants like Microsoft and Zoom.
A vision sparked by a communication breakdown
Rathnam’s idea for Wordly began during a tech conference in Japan, where he struggled to communicate with attendees. It was a turning point for someone who had already spent decades in tech, including roles at Apple (working on the first iPod), Amazon, and HP.
“I’d worked on hearing aids too, because I wanted to give something back,” he says. “But it was in Japan, unable to connect with people, that I realised the urgent need for real-time translation. That was the seed for Wordly.”
Reaching the people who need it most
The tool is making a visible impact in communities with large non-English speaking populations, particularly in California, where civic engagement can be hindered by language barriers.
“In places like Las Vegas, where over 40% of the population is Spanish speaking, our platform has allowed people to attend town hall meetings and speak directly to the elected officials,” says Rathnam. “That’s the real impact, enabling people to express themselves freely.”
As demand for translation grows globally, legal mandates are also pushing adoption. “In Canada, Bill 96 now requires French and English accessibility in meetings. In the EU, language accessibility is becoming standard for all public meetings,” he explains. “These regulations are positioning tools like ours as essential infrastructure.”
Growing a global business
While conferences remain Wordly’s strongest market thanks to their short duration, diverse international audiences, and the ability to quickly gather feedback, the company has steadily expanded into broader business and community use. Operating on both B2B and B2C models, Wordly is now being adopted by organisations seeking cost-effective, scalable alternatives to traditional human translation services, which can be expensive and difficult to coordinate, especially at scale.
“A city clerks’ conference in California told us how valuable the tool was during a translator shortage,” Rathnam says. “That’s exactly the kind of problem we’re here to solve bridging gaps in real-time, without logistical barriers.”
More than just a tool
Rathnam credits his team for building the technology, noting, “I had the vision, but they brought it to life.” For him, the most rewarding aspect isn’t the business growth, it’s seeing the human impact.
“Seeing someone use Wordly to speak up in their community, share a concern, or ask for help, that’s what matters most,” he says. “Our mission is to make this tool accessible and prominent across the world.”
Looking ahead
When asked about the future, Rathnam is both realistic and ambitious. “Given how fast AI is moving, it’s hard to predict where we’ll be in five years. But our goal is to become the default solution for all types of meetings – civic, business, or entertainment,” he says. “We’re already seeing this in movies and TV with subtitles. Why not real-time meetings too?”
Despite uncertainties around global politics and economics, including U.S. tech policy and the international investment climate, Rathnam remains optimistic. “There’s a lot of movement, and language accessibility is increasingly recognised as a right. That only strengthens our mission.”
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