Global Messaging, Made Personal
In a world where commerce is increasingly global, communication often remains a stubborn barrier. Babeltext, founded by David Hayes, is tackling this head-on with a multilingual messaging platform that enables seamless customer engagement in 195 languages. Built with both AI and human agents, Babeltext allows companies, especially those on Shopify, to connect with customers around the world, regardless of the language they speak.
“Our key target is any company using the Shopify eCommerce platform, as we offer the opportunity to engage with customers in 195 languages.”
This isn’t just a convenience, it’s a transformation. Babeltext is turning what used to be a stumbling block into a competitive edge.
Origin: From One Frustrated Hotelier to a Global Solution
The spark behind Babeltext came not from a tech lab, but from a simple, real-world complaint. David recalls a conversation that proved pivotal.
“Babeltext grew from a conversation with a Hotelier who was frustrated by his staff's inability to engage with guests who could not speak.”
That insight launched an investigation into where and how communication gaps most affected businesses. Messaging quickly emerged as the ideal channel, familiar, low-friction, and universally used. What David and his team built was a system where messages are automatically translated both ways, allowing operators and customers to engage naturally in their languages.
“A typical flow is that a customer sends a message in Mandarin, which will be automatically translated and presented to a live operator in English. The operator then responds in English, and the message will be translated and delivered to the consumer in Mandarin.”
This seamless loop now runs across 195 languages and multiple messaging platforms, including AI support and human agents, creating a uniquely flexible system for companies who want to serve global audiences.
Challenges: Building Global Vision with Local Resources
Despite the technology and the impact, Babeltext faces the kind of challenge that haunts many ambitious startups: scaling globally with limited capital.
“Capital investment is proving extremely difficult to support global expansion.”
It’s not a lack of traction or potential that holds Babeltext back, it's the uphill battle of convincing investors to bet on a platform that’s already making a difference in meaningful ways. In sectors like hospitality and social services, the results have been especially telling. By giving businesses the tools to speak to their entire customer base, Babeltext isn’t just improving service, it’s driving revenue.
“In the Hospitality vertical, engaging with non-English-speaking guests revealed increased guest spending in-house rather than externally.”
And in one of its most impactful applications, Babeltext has been used in crisis support services, especially with youth for whom English is a second language. That kind of use case adds a layer of purpose to the product’s commercial viability.
“Providing the platform for crisis support services, especially for disaffected youth for whom English is a second language, has been very impactful.”
These stories are powerful, but funding expansion at the speed the team envisions remains a hurdle.
What Works: Showing, Not Telling
One of the things that makes Babeltext stand out is its immediate, visceral impact when demonstrated live. The technology speaks for itself, literally.
“Once people see a live demonstration of the platform, there is definitely a WOW factor.”
In a space where words can often fall short, Babeltext impresses by doing. Prospective customers and partners are often blown away by how natural the interaction feels, even when conversations are crossing multiple languages in real time. This real-world usability has become one of the team’s most effective tools in winning over customers.
Lessons in Building, Trusting, and Listening
David has learned some hard but valuable lessons throughout his entrepreneurial journey. One of the most important: who you build with matters.
“Have a trusted and complementary co-founder.”
But even beyond the team, David highlights the importance of leaning into instinct and listening carefully to what customers are actually telling you. While data and business plans are useful, the real clarity often comes from users.
“Trust your instincts. Focus groups tell you the real story. Test and fix, then test again and again and again. Listen to your customers.”
It’s this relentless commitment to iteration and customer feedback that’s helped Babeltext evolve into a product that truly meets the needs of the people it’s built for.
He also offers a sharp reminder that many founders eventually come to terms with:
“Hire the best, not relatives.”
The Road Ahead
Babeltext is poised for growth, and its value is clear: eliminate the language barrier, and suddenly every customer is within reach. As global eCommerce grows and expectations for responsive, localized service increase, Babeltext’s offering becomes less of a “nice to have” and more of a necessity.
For businesses on Shopify, or anyone wanting to provide multilingual customer service, Babeltext is a game-changer. If you’re ready to communicate with customers in their language, David Hayes and his team are ready to help.
You can learn more at babeltext.com or reach David Hayes directly at david.hayes@babeltext.com.