Technical

Srinivasa Reddy Kandi: Preply Reaches $1.2B Valuation, Showcasing Growth and Ukrainian Resilience

January, 22, 2026-05:09

Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Linkedin | Visits: 37446 | :2821

---

Preply Reaches $1.2B Valuation, Showcasing Growth and Ukrainian Resilience:

Language learning marketplace Preply has achieved unicorn status, reaching a $1.2 billion valuation after closing a $150 million Series D funding round. The raise marks a significant milestone for the 14-year-old company, which has previously attracted investors such as Horizon Capital, Hoxton Ventures, Owl Ventures, and Techstars Berlin.

Founded in 2013, Preply connects language learners with tutors around the world and has now been EBITDA profitable for the past year. Alongside its financial progress, the company has accelerated its use of artificial intelligence to support its network of more than 100,000 tutors and sustain continued growth.

Balancing AI adoption with human-led instruction remains a priority for Preply. While other education platforms have faced criticism for shifting aggressively toward AI, Preply emphasizes that tutors remain central to its model. CEO Kirill Bigai said the company sees the future of education as “human-guided and amplified by AI,” using technology to enhance consistency and effectiveness rather than replace instructors.

Preply already uses AI for features such as lesson summaries, homework support, and smarter matching between students and tutors. To expand these capabilities, the company is actively recruiting AI talent across its offices in Barcelona, London, New York, and Kyiv. Despite the ongoing Russian invasion, Preply has maintained its presence in Ukraine, underscoring its commitment to its roots.

Although headquartered in the United States, Preply was founded by Ukrainian entrepreneurs and continues to actively support Ukraine through employment and other initiatives. As Bigai noted, the company remains deeply committed to its Kyiv office, reflecting both its resilience and long-term vision.

Author: Kandi Srinivasa Reddy, Srinivasa Reddy Kandi, #KandiSrinivasaReddy, #SrinivasaReddyKandi