Preply, the world’s leading online language learning marketplace, has closed a $150 million Series D funding round, cementing its status as a unicorn with a $1.2 billion valuation. The round was led by WestCap, with Goldman Sachs International acting as sole placement agent, and marks a major inflection point in Preply’s mission to make high-quality, personalized language learning accessible globally.
The funding arrives as demand for language learning accelerates worldwide. According to HolonIQ, an estimated 1.8 billion people—roughly one in four globally—are currently working toward proficiency in a second language. The direct-to-consumer language learning market is projected to reach $227 billion by 2035, after already tripling in size over the past five years.
Scaling Human-Led Learning With AI
Founded as a pioneer in online language education, Preply connects more than 100,000 tutors with learners across 180 countries, offering one-on-one lessons in 90+ languages. The platform’s differentiator lies in its human-first model, augmented by an AI-powered tutoring co-pilot that enhances—not replaces—real instruction.
Preply’s AI tools help tutors track learner progress, generate insights, and automate administrative work, allowing instructors to focus on teaching and learners to advance more efficiently. This hybrid approach positions Preply against fully automated learning platforms, which often struggle to deliver meaningful fluency outcomes.
“Today, we connect people with the world’s best tutors, amplified by AI, bringing learning efficiency to a level that was previously unreachable,” said Kirill Bigai, co-founder and CEO of Preply. “This investment allows us to keep innovating at the intersection of human tutoring and AI.”
Strong Growth and Profitability Momentum
Since its Series C, Preply has more than tripled its number of bookable tutors and expanded into 40+ additional languages. Notably, the company became EBITDA positive over the past year, a rare milestone among global edtech platforms operating at scale.
This combination of growth and improving unit economics helped attract WestCap, a firm known for scaling global marketplaces such as Airbnb and StubHub. As part of the investment, Allen Mask, Partner at WestCap and former Airbnb executive, will join Preply’s board.
“Preply is setting a new standard for personalized education at scale,” Mask said. “Learners thrive when real human instruction is supported by technology, and Preply has the product, leadership, and vision to shape how people communicate globally.”
Proven Learning Outcomes
Preply’s emphasis on human connection is backed by data. Its 2025 Efficiency Study, conducted with LeanLab Education, found that:
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96% of learners say real conversations with human tutors are essential to progress
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97% report increased confidence through live instruction
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Learners progress up to 3x faster than average benchmarks
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One in three learners advanced a full CEFR level within just 12 weeks
These outcomes underscore Preply’s belief that AI is most powerful when used to enable educators, not replace them.
What’s Next for Preply
With participation from both new and existing investors—including EBRD and Horizon Capital—Preply plans to:
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Further advance its AI and data capabilities
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Expand product and engineering teams
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Accelerate global market expansion
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Continue delivering highly personalized learning experiences at scale
The Series D brings Preply’s total funding to approximately $299 million, reinforcing long-term investor confidence in the company’s approach and market leadership.
The Bottom Line
As the global appetite for language learning continues to surge, Preply is betting on a clear thesis: human connection, supercharged by AI, delivers better outcomes than automation alone. With fresh capital, proven profitability momentum, and a rapidly expanding global marketplace, Preply is positioning itself to redefine how people learn, communicate, and connect across borders.
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