Today’s guest is Ben Buckwold of Ellii. After living in Japan, Ben returned to Canada in 2002 and started ESL Library. We talk about Japan, how Ben got started and the challenges of growing and how his position has changed.
Ben Buckwold is the founder and CEO of Ellii, formerly known as ESL Library, one of the world’s leading English language teaching platforms. After spending five years teaching English in Kanagawa, Japan, Ben Buckwold developed a passion for creating engaging lessons for his students. During his final year abroad, he began conceptualizing a subscription-based platform where educators could access high-quality, ready-made teaching materials online.
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On December 22, 2002, Ben Buckwold officially launched Ellii, initially as a small visual learning resource site. The early years proved challenging, as online payments and subscription services were still uncommon. However, his commitment to quality content and understanding of teachers’ needs gradually built a loyal following. What started as a family operation—with his retired ESL teacher mother writing lessons and accountant father managing the books—has grown into a globally recognized platform.
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Under Ben Buckwold’s leadership, more than 10,000 schools across more than 100 countries use Ellii. K-12 institutions, serving private language schools, universities, and online tutoring platforms. The company has evolved from its ESL Library roots to offer comprehensive digital courseware, interactive assignments, and thousands of lessons covering all language skills.
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Ben Buckwold holds degrees in Broadcast Journalism and Commerce, which have informed his innovative approach to educational technology. His company has achieved remarkable success without venture capital funding, choosing instead to focus on creating engaging, relevant content that addresses teachers’ most pressing needs. Based in Winnipeg, Canada, Ben Buckwold continues to guide Ellii’s mission of empowering educators worldwide and connecting the world through language learning.
