Ukrainian-founded language learning platform Preply has reached unicorn status after raising $150 million in a Series D funding round, valuing the company at $1.2 billion. The round was led by WestCap, with participation from Índico Capital Partners, marking a major milestone for the fast-growing edtech company.
The new funding brings Preply’s total capital raised to approximately $299 million and supports its mission to make high-quality, personalised learning accessible to learners worldwide. Over the past year, the company has also achieved EBITDA-positive operations, strengthening its position as one of Europe’s most mature consumer edtech platforms.
A global marketplace for human-led language learning
Founded as an online language learning marketplace, Preply connects learners with more than 100,000 tutors across 180 countries. The platform enables one-to-one lessons in over 90 languages, covering everything from everyday conversation and exam preparation to business communication and professional development.
Preply’s approach combines human-led instruction with AI-powered tools designed to support both learners and tutors. Rather than replacing teachers with automation, the company uses AI to enhance lesson planning, personalise learning paths, and provide real-time insights through its tutoring co-pilot suite.
This hybrid model has helped Preply differentiate itself in an increasingly crowded edtech market, where many platforms rely heavily on self-paced or fully automated learning experiences.
Strong demand for human connection, supported by AI
Preply’s strategy is underpinned by research into how people learn languages most effectively. According to the company’s 2025 Efficiency Study, conducted with nonprofit research organisation LeanLab Education, 96 per cent of learners said that working with a human tutor and engaging in real conversations was essential to their progress.
A further 97 per cent reported that these interactions significantly boosted their confidence. These findings reinforce Preply’s belief that AI works best as an enabler of human teaching rather than a replacement for it.
Over the past two years, the company has expanded its AI capabilities to improve tutor matching, session preparation, progress tracking, and feedback, helping learners see measurable progress with every lesson.
Growth from Barcelona to 180 countries
Since opening its hub in Barcelona, Preply has become a key player in the city’s 22@ innovation district. The Southern European base acts as a central engine for product development, talent growth, and international operations.
Since its Series C round, Preply has more than tripled the number of bookable tutors on its platform and added over 40 new languages. In the last twelve months alone, the company continued to improve operational efficiency and reached EBITDA-positive status, a rare achievement in the consumer edtech sector.
Preply now serves learners across Europe, North America, Latin America, and Asia, with demand continuing to grow as remote work and cross-border communication become more common.
Founders, leadership, and funding journey
Preply was co-founded by Kirill Bigai, who serves as CEO, alongside co-founders with backgrounds in technology, product development, and education. The company was founded in Ukraine before expanding internationally, reflecting its global-first mindset from an early stage.
Under Bigai’s leadership, Preply has grown from a small tutoring marketplace into a scaled global platform serving millions of learners. The Series D funding follows several earlier rounds, bringing total funding to nearly $300 million.
The latest $150 million investment values the company at $1.2 billion and represents a strong vote of confidence in Preply’s long-term vision and financial discipline. WestCap led the round, while Índico Capital Partners also participated. Airbnb veteran Allen Mask is joining Preply’s board as part of the investment.
Investor confidence in personalised learning at scale
Investors backing the Series D highlight Preply’s ability to combine technology with human-led education at scale. According to Allen Mask, the platform is setting a new standard for personalised learning by using data and AI to support real human instruction rather than replace it.
Índico Capital Partners also pointed to Preply’s transition to EBITDA-positive operations as evidence of a strong and sustainable business model, alongside its role in building a vibrant technology hub in Barcelona.
What’s next for Preply
With fresh capital secured, Preply plans to deepen its AI and data capabilities, expand its product and engineering teams, and accelerate international expansion. The company aims to reach more learners and tutors worldwide while continuing to refine its human-first learning model.
As demand for flexible, personalised education grows globally, Preply’s combination of human tutoring and AI support positions it to play a central role in reshaping how people learn languages, communicate across cultures, and build confidence in an increasingly connected world.
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