(Bloomberg) -- Online language learning company Babbel Group AG aims to raise about 190 million euros ($224 million) in an initial public offering. 

The Berlin-based firm would be worth 1.27 billion euros if demand pushes the stock to the top end of the IPO price range. The shares are expected to begin trading on Sept. 24.  

Babbel will use the proceeds to expand the business after the pandemic drove more users to its platform. Sales grew 18% to 83 million euros in the first half of the year.  

“The step change that has occurred in digital language learning over the last year opens up a massive opportunity set,” Chief Financial Officer Hermione McKee said in an interview. 

Babbel has raised 28 million euros from investors as a private company, with its last fundraising in 2015. Competitor Duolingo Inc.’s shares have risen by 57% since it went public in the U.S. earlier this year. 

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