Preply is a technology company.
Preply is an online platform that connects learners with experienced language tutors for personalized lessons in various languages.
Preply has raised $141.0M across 6 funding rounds.
Preply has raised $141.0M in total across 6 funding rounds.
Preply has raised $141.0M in total across 6 funding rounds.
Preply's investors include 2xN, Andreessen Horowitz, Jenny Fielding, Scott Hartley, foobar.vc, Freestyle Capital, Granite Asia, Hoxton Ventures, Invariantes Fund, Owl Ventures, Reach Capital, Scott Belsky.
Preply is an online language learning platform that connects students with over 100,000 experienced tutors across 90+ languages and 120+ subjects, serving learners in 180+ countries.[1][2][3][5] It solves the problem of ineffective, one-size-fits-all language apps by offering personalized 1-on-1 tutoring focused on conversation from day one, with AI-enhanced tools for faster progress—students advance 3x faster than industry norms—through affordable, flexible monthly subscriptions.[1][2][3] Preply targets individuals (from beginners to exam prep like IELTS/TOEFL), school/college students, and businesses via corporate training, emphasizing human-centered learning powered by technology.[1][5]
The platform's growth momentum is strong, evidenced by 300,000+ 5-star tutor reviews, a 4.8 App Store rating, recent U.S. office opening in NYC, fresh branding, and new C-suite hires to fuel global expansion.[3][4][5] AI features like Lesson Insights (personalized summaries) and Daily Exercises are rolling out to boost engagement and tutor efficiency.[2][4]
Preply was co-founded by Kirill Bigai, who serves as CEO, though specific founding year details are not detailed in available sources; the company has evolved into a leader in AI-powered language learning.[2][4] The idea emerged from recognizing that traditional apps lack real human interaction for effective language acquisition, particularly conversation skills, leading to a marketplace model that pairs students with global tutors for tailored plans.[1][2]
Early traction came from its tutor network spanning 160-180 countries and nationalities, flexible scheduling, and subscription model that boosts commitment and results.[1][3][5] Pivotal moments include expanding to 100k+ tutors, AI integrations for personalization, and recent milestones like the NYC office, brand refresh, and AI tool launches amid rising demand for practical language skills.[2][4]
Preply rides the wave of AI-augmented edtech, blending human tutors with personalization tech amid surging global demand for language skills driven by remote work, migration, and globalization—83% of Gen Z prioritize financial stability tied to such competencies.[2][4] Timing is ideal post-pandemic, as hybrid learning booms and AI shifts education from generic apps (e.g., Duolingo) to outcome-focused platforms; market forces like tutor globalization and corporate training needs favor its 180-country scale.[1][2][5]
It influences the ecosystem by setting standards for tutor-led AI (e.g., progress tracking saves prep time), fostering a vast community (100k tutors, 120 subjects), and accelerating industry progress toward "human-led, AI-enabled" models that prioritize real conversations over gamification.[2][4]
Preply is poised to dominate personalized language edtech by deepening AI integrations—like expanding Scenario Practice for real-life contexts—while scaling its tutor network and corporate offerings amid AI's education transformation.[2][4] Trends such as multimodal AI, workplace upskilling, and Gen Z's priorities will propel growth, potentially evolving Preply into a full-spectrum learning hub beyond languages.
As the go-to for effective, tutor-powered progress, Preply exemplifies how technology amplifies human teaching to unlock global opportunities.[1][2]
Preply has raised $141.0M across 6 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $42.0M Series C in July 2023.