Preply, the world’s largest language learning marketplace, just passed an exciting milestone. After raising $150 million in a Series D funding round, its valuation shot up to $1.2 billion. Founded in 2013, the company has been connecting language learners with tutors worldwide while demonstrating resilience and innovation, particularly in the face of ongoing challenges in Ukraine.
Preply prides itself on a highly qualified staff of 750 employees. With a network of more than 100,000 tutors, the company has established a significant business in the boom that is online education. Despite some hiccups, the firm has come through with flying colors and has been highly profitable during each of the last twelve months. Further, it has incorporated cutting-edge generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into its platform. With features such as English-language learner support, targeted lesson summaries, and customized homework help, these tools provide an enriching user experience. AI is a central component in connecting learners to tutors that can best serve their individual needs.
The war in Ukraine has forced many companies to make changes in real time. Yet through it all, Preply is still standing and still chugging along from their base in Kyiv. This place is still thriving, even as the Russian bombardment continues to wreak havoc on everyday life. In order to protect its staff members, Preply has outfitted their Kyiv office with generators. These generators deliver power, internet connectivity, and heat to keep people focused and productive. Their office eliminates reliance on outside factors. Their office is open 24/7 for Ukrainian team members to work and collaborate when needed.
“I think the fact that the company went through this experience — and how so many people helped other people — made us stronger, more resilient, more creative,” said Bigai.
Preply’s commitment to its Ukrainian roots is reflected not just in the company’s mission, but in the execution of its operational strategy. The company is currently expanding its AI team, and hiring AI talent to its offices in Barcelona, London, New York and Kyiv. This recruitment drive reflects Preply’s ambition to enhance its technology platform further while remaining committed to its core mission of providing quality language education.
For the founders, human-guided experiences are an integral aspect of their vision for Preply’s future. What they do believe is that AI can make these interactions much more impactful. This combined focus, we hope, will lead to a powerful, engaging, seamless learning environment where technology enhances not substitutes human connection and collaboration.
“We are very committed to the Ukrainian office,” Bigai stated. “Our office has different generators so we have electricity, Internet, and the office is warm and it’s open 24/7 so any Ukrainian team member can come to the office at any time.”
With impressive growth and forward-thinking innovation, Preply is a shining example of how to thrive even after facing challenges. The company has prospered in trying times, cementing the company’s yellow-green place within the global language learning industry. It has equally proven its dedication to supporting its employees and the city of Kyiv amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine.