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What a Language-Translation Platform Learned From TechStars VerbalizeIt facilitates global conversations with translators. Here's a look inside their time in the TechStars incubator program in Boulder, Colo.

By Michelle Juergen

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Well-connected: VerbalizeIt's Ryan Frankel.
Well-connected: VerbalizeIt's Ryan Frankel.
Photo© David Johnson

The startup: VerbalizeIt, founded by Ryan Frankel and Kunal Sarda, provides real-time phone and internet access to a community of human translators to facilitate global, cross-language conversations. The company graduated last year from the TechStars program in Boulder, Colo., rebranding itself and officially launching in July. Some 60 companies per year are selected for TechStars, which also operates in New York, Seattle, Boston and San Antonio.

What it is: While on a trip to China a few years ago, Frankel fell ill and was unable to express his needs to a pharmacist. It was "one of those moments where you'd do anything to have someone who could communicate on your behalf," says Frankel, who serves as CEO of the New York City-based startup. "I resolved to build a company that would provide the quality of a call center but that would be affordable and accessible to everyone."

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