In a world where digital learning increasingly leans on automation, one Ukrainian founded company is proving that human connection remains at the heart of real progress. Preply, the global marketplace for language learning, has secured a major new investment round that not only strengthens its position in the edtech sector but also underscores the rising demand for personalised education enhanced by artificial intelligence.
A Landmark Series D Raise
Preply has raised one hundred fifty million dollars in a Series D funding round led by WestCap with support from Índico Capital Partners. The round brings the company’s total funding to approximately two hundred ninety nine million dollars and values the platform at one point two billion dollars, officially making Preply a unicorn.
The investment represents a milestone moment for a company that has rapidly scaled from a regional startup into an international leader in online language tutoring.
A Global Marketplace for Real Human Learning
Preply connects more than one hundred thousand tutors with learners across one hundred eighty countries, making it one of the world’s largest platforms for personalised language instruction. With lessons available in more than ninety languages, the platform has helped millions of learners build fluency, confidence and global communication skills.
Unlike platforms that rely heavily on automated exercises, Preply continues to champion one on one human instruction. The company pairs expert tutors with AI supported tools that enhance the learning process rather than replace human interaction.
Preply’s tutoring co pilot suite provides real time recommendations, content support and personalised study guidance to maximise learning outcomes during live lessons.
AI Enhanced Human Tutoring Remains the Core
As many education platforms shift toward full automation, Preply remains grounded in the belief that progress comes from authentic conversation and real human guidance. Its 2025 Efficiency Study, conducted in partnership with LeanLab Education, found that ninety six per cent of learners view human tutoring as essential to their progress and ninety seven per cent say that live interaction boosts their confidence.
AI tools act as an amplifier, improving lesson efficiency and powering personalised learning pathways while tutors remain central to the learning experience. This hybrid model positions Preply as a pioneer in redefining modern education.
Barcelona Hub Powers Innovation and Global Reach
Since opening its hub in Barcelona’s fast growing 22@ innovation district, Preply has become a cornerstone of the city’s tech community. The hub supports product development, engineering, global operations and the company’s broader mission to democratise access to world class language instruction.
Since its Series C round, the company has more than tripled its roster of bookable tutors and added over forty new languages to its platform. Over the past twelve months, Preply improved its EBITDA and reached EBITDA positive status, demonstrating sustainable growth and operational discipline.
A Vision for the Future of Global Education
Preply co founder and CEO Kirill Bigai says the company is fortunate to shape how people will learn in the future. He emphasises that Preply connects learners with the world’s best tutors while using AI to enhance efficiency to previously unreachable levels.
WestCap partner Allen Mask, joining Preply’s board, highlights that learners thrive when human instruction is supported by technology and describes Preply as poised to transform how people communicate globally.
Índico Capital Partners managing general partner Stephan de Moraes adds that Preply’s blend of AI innovation and human interaction is truly unique, and its EBITDA positive momentum demonstrates the strength of its business model.
Expanding AI Capabilities and Global Reach
With its latest funding, Preply plans to expand its AI and data infrastructure, grow its product and engineering teams, and accelerate global expansion. The company aims to reach more learners and tutors worldwide while continuing to build an educational model that combines the best of technology and human expertise.
As Preply enters the next phase of growth with unicorn status, it stands ready to reshape language learning for millions of people around the world.