Luis von Ahn is a Guatemalan-American computer scientist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist renowned for co-founding Duolingo and inventing CAPTCHA and re CAPTCHA technologies. He is celebrated for revolutionizing digital learning and authentication systems.
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Luis von Ahn Net Worth: A Snapshot

As of 2025, Luis von Ahn’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $1.9 billion, earned through his inventions, Duolingo, and strategic ventures in education technology.
| Category | Details |
| Name | Luis von Ahn |
| Net Worth | $1.9 billion |
| Known For | Duolingo, CAPTCHA, reCAPTCHA |
| Nationality | Guatemalan-American |
| Profession | Entrepreneur, Computer Scientist |
Luis von Ahn Biography / Wiki
Luis was born on August 19, 1978, in Guatemala City, Guatemala. He pursued mathematics at Duke University and later earned his Ph.D. in computer science from Carnegie Mellon University. He gained global attention with CAPTCHA and reCAPTCHA, which Google acquired in 2009. In 2011, he co-founded Duolingo, a free language-learning app that has since become a top ed-tech platform globally.
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Luis von Ahn |
| Luis von Ahn Birth Date | August 19, 1978 |
| Luis von Ahn Birthplace | Guatemala City, Guatemala |
| Luis von Ahn Nationality | Guatemalan-American |
| Luis von Ahn Education | Duke University (B.S.), Carnegie Mellon University (Ph.D.) |
Luis von Ahn Physical Appearances
Luis von Ahn typically maintains a clean, academic look and a low-profile public image, in line with his roles in academia and tech.
| Feature | Description |
| Height | Not publicly disclosed |
| Weight | Not publicly disclosed |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Brown |
Luis von Ahn Family
Luis von Ahn is married to Ingrid Ulrika, a Swedish-American former assistant district attorney. They live in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and largely keep their private life out of the public eye.
| Relation | Details |
| Spouse | Ingrid Ulrika |
| Marital Status | Married |
Career Highlights & Income Sources
Luis’s innovations started with CAPTCHA and reCAPTCHA, both of which transformed internet security. After selling reCAPTCHA to Google, he co-founded Duolingo, which now serves over 500 million users worldwide and is listed on the NASDAQ. His net worth largely stems from his shares in Duolingo and licensing of his early tech.
He is also a former professor at Carnegie Mellon University and remains active in philanthropy, especially in promoting education and technology access in Latin America.
Luis von Ahn Favorite Things
Luis enjoys research, building education tools, and giving back to his community. He has a passion for making quality education universally accessible.
| Category | Favorite Thing |
| Hobby | Technology innovation, Research |
| Values | Accessibility, Impact, Education |
Luis von Ahn Social Media Accounts
Luis uses his social media to share insights on language, education, and technology, and to advocate for inclusive education.
| Platform | Handle |
| @LuisvonAhn |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Luis von Ahn
What is Luis von Ahn’s current net worth?
As of 2025, his net worth is estimated to be around $1.9 billion.
What is he best known for?
Luis is best known for co-founding Duolingo and creating CAPTCHA and reCAPTCHA.
Is Luis von Ahn involved in philanthropy?
Yes, he has pledged significant donations to support education and technology in Guatemala and other underserved regions.
Is he still active with Duolingo?
Yes, Luis von Ahn remains involved in Duolingo’s leadership and innovation efforts.
What are his major sources of income?
His main income sources include the sale of reCAPTCHA to Google, his equity in Duolingo, and public speaking engagements.
