Localazy
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. It serves clients across Europe, North and South America, Africa, and Asia.
History
Founding
Localazy 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.Early development and leadership
The 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.Funding
Localazy received its first external investment on 30 April 2020, when Lighthouse Ventures provided an investment worth several tens of millions of Czech crowns to support further development, including preparation of an iOS version.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. Lighthouse Ventures remained among the investors.
Products and services
Platform
Localazy 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.The platform includes AI translation, built-in machine translation and the option to order human translation services within the same environment. 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.