Preply raises $150 million as investors back human-led AI learning at scale
The language learning platform has secured new capital as investor interest continues to grow in human-led, AI-supported education models amid global demand for flexible skills development.
Preply has closed a $150 million Series D funding round, valuing the company at $1.2 billion and placing it among the latest EdTech firms to reach unicorn status as investors reassess the role of AI in personalized learning.
The round was led by WestCap, with the funding set to support product development, AI capabilities, and international expansion. The raise brings Preply’s total funding to more than $299 million.
Founded as an online language learning marketplace, Preply connects learners with tutors for one-to-one instruction across more than ninety languages. The company operates in one hundred and eighty countries and combines live tutoring with AI tools designed to support lesson planning, progress tracking, and administrative tasks.
The funding comes as global demand for language learning continues to expand. According to data cited by the company from HolonIQ, an estimated 1.8 billion people worldwide are currently working toward proficiency in a second language, with the direct-to-consumer language learning market forecast to grow significantly over the next decade.
Preply reported that since its previous funding round, it has expanded the number of tutors available on the platform and added more than forty additional languages. The company also said it became EBITDA positive within the past year.
AI positioned as support layer rather than replacement
Preply’s leadership emphasized that the platform’s approach differs from fully automated language learning tools by keeping human tutors at the center of instruction, with AI used to augment rather than replace teaching.
Kirill Bigai, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer at Preply, says: “We feel extremely fortunate and deeply responsible for shaping how people will learn in the future. Today, we connect people with the world’s best tutors, amplified by AI, bringing learning efficiency to a level that was previously unreachable.”
As part of the funding round, Allen Mask, Partner at WestCap, will join Preply’s board. Mask previously held senior leadership roles at Airbnb.
Mask, comments: “Data shows that learners thrive when real human instruction is supported by technology, and in today’s increasingly connected world, there is a real demand for democratizing access to high-quality learning in a modern and effective way.”
ETIH Innovation Awards 2026
The ETIH Innovation Awards 2026 are now open and recognize education technology organizations delivering measurable impact across K–12, higher education, and lifelong learning. The awards are open to entries from the UK, the Americas, and internationally, with submissions assessed on evidence of outcomes and real-world application.
