EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Benjamin Gamble
KEY TAKEAWAY
Masterword is a Language Service Provider offering translation and localization solutions across 250+ languages to both public and private sectors.
SERVICES/SOLUTIONS
Masterword offers a broad range of language- and translation-based services. Below is a non-exhaustive list of the services offered to clients:
- Live, real-time translation services (both in-person and remote)
- Localization/transcreation services (that is, ensuring cultural context/connotations are translated effectively and not literally)
- Customized language proficiency/cultural competency assessments
- Multimedia translations (closed captioning, voiceover services)
- Training and professional development (interpreter training, cross-cultural competency)
- Compliance (ensuring organizations meet legal requirements regarding communication access)
- Consultancy on the accuracy of machine learning translations, usability testing, and other technology-based solutions
Masterword’s services can be acquired via their website or through their app, MyMasterword. They also offer a range of services related to content governance, the practice by which companies can maximize the efficiency of both content production and content distribution. The company has various blog posts and white papers available on their website that dive into more specific services they offer as well as broader industry issues.
The company has a 98% customer satisfaction rate per a 2023 client survey.
VALUES/CORPORATE CULTURE
Masterword was founded in 1993 by Ludmila Golovine, who remains the current CEO. The organization strongly emphasizes its commitment to ethical practices, inclusivity, and accessibility. In their own words, the company believes that “doing business with heart is a core value.”
Examples of this mindfulness towards inclusivity include services for indigenous languages, supporting organizations that oppose sex trafficking, and a variety of mindfulness/wellness resources available for download on their website.
STRATEGIC ASSESSMENT
Capabilities/Opportunities:
- Per Masterword’s website, the company is the fastest-growing woman-owned Language Service Provider in the world
- They currently have active contracts with 11 U.S. state governments, indicating opportunities for growth with the remainder. Masterword’s content solutions include consultancy on improving machine translation services, which will likely leave them well-situated to capitalize on the recent artificial intelligence (AI) craze