Preply
Preply is a global online language learning marketplace connecting over 100,000 tutors with approximately 2 million learners across 180+ countries for one-on-one video lessons in 90+ languages, augmented by AI-powered lesson insights and corporate language training via Preply Business.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2012
- HeadquartersBrookline, United States
- Headcount501–1,000
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingDigital Commerce or Content
What Preply does
Preply is a global online language learning marketplace that connects individual learners with human tutors for one-on-one video lessons across more than 90 languages and 180+ countries. Founded in 2012 in Kyiv, Ukraine, the company operates a two-sided platform with over 100,000 tutors serving approximately 2 million learners, supported by mobile applications (iOS and Android, 6M+ downloads, 4.8/5 App Store rating) and a proprietary video classroom called Preply Space. Its core technology combines the human tutor marketplace with AI-powered features — most notably an AI Teaching Copilot and AI Lesson Insights built on OpenAI's ChatGPT — that automate lesson summaries, grammar and vocabulary feedback, pronunciation assessment, and tutor-learner matching. AI handles repetitive instructional tasks while human tutors focus on motivation, cultural context, and conversation practice.
The business operates a marketplace take-rate model as the primary revenue driver: Preply retains 100% commission on trial lessons and 18-33% on subsequent lessons, tiered downward as tutors accumulate teaching hours. Consumer pricing for lessons ranges from $3 to $40+ per hour depending on tutor experience and language. The second revenue stream is Preply Business, a B2B corporate language training solution sold to enterprise HR and L&D buyers (including Unilever and Datadog) under pay-per-hour subscription contracts with 12-month fixed pricing cycles and automatic annual rate increases of up to 10%. Distribution is primarily self-serve through preply.com localized in 20+ language editions and native mobile apps, supplemented by a dedicated enterprise sales motion and digital PR-led content marketing strategy.
The company is headquartered in the US (Brookline, MA) with operational hubs in Barcelona, London, Kyiv, Warsaw, Berlin, and Lviv. It employs approximately 750 people, of whom roughly 150 remain in Kyiv despite ongoing wartime conditions. Preply achieved unicorn status in January 2026 following a $150 million Series D led by WestCap at a $1.2 billion valuation, with the company reportedly EBITDA-positive for the prior twelve months and exceeding the Rule of 40 benchmark.
Preply firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Preply
- Legal name
- Preply Inc.
- Website
- https://preply.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2012
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 501–1,000 employees
- Short description
- Preply is a global online language learning marketplace connecting over 100,000 tutors with approximately 2 million learners across 180+ countries for one-on-one video lessons in 90+ languages, augmented by AI-powered lesson insights and corporate language training via Preply Business.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Preply industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Online Language Learning Marketplace
- NAICS
- Language Schools (61163), Exam Preparation and Tutoring (611691), Educational Support Services (611710)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Online Tutoring, Conversation Exchange & Language Coaching Platforms (EDAFAOAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Live Online Language Tutoring & Small-Group Classes (EDAMAFAD), On-Demand 1:1 Live Tutoring Marketplaces (EDANAGAA)
Keywords
Where Preply is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Brookline
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices7 records
Markets served
Preply business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Digital Commerce or Content
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations
Revenue model
- Marketplace Transaction Fees (Tutor Commission): Preply operates a marketplace taking commission from tutor lesson fees. Commission for trial lessons with new students is 100%; for subsequent lessons, commission starts at 33% and decreases to 18% based on hours taught on the platform. This is the primary revenue driver.
- Preply Business (B2B Corporate Language Training): Corporate language training solution sold to enterprises (e.g., Unilever, Datadog) on a pay-per-hour model. Features dedicated tutor matching, progress reporting, and fixed 12-month pricing cycles with automatic rate increases of up to 10% annually.
- Consumer Subscription / Per-Lesson Packages: Individual learners purchase lesson packages or subscribe to flexible lesson plans; pricing per lesson ranges from $3-$40+ depending on tutor experience and language. One-time trial lessons and multi-lesson packages drive recurring consumer revenue.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Trial lessons: 100% commission to Preply; subsequent lessons: 18-33% commission tiered by tutor hours taught |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Per-lesson pricing ranges from $3 to $40+ per hour depending on tutor experience, qualifications, and language |
| Subscription | Annual | Corporate Tutor Program: fixed 12-month pricing cycle with automatic rate increases of up to 10% annually |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Consumer promotional pricing: 70% discount for new trial users through March 31 (specific offer period) |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels8 records
Preply product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Preply operates a global online language learning marketplace that connects over 100,000 tutors with learners across 180+ countries for one-on-one video lessons in 90+ languages, augmented with AI-powered tools for personalized feedback and lesson summaries. The platform also offers Preply Business, a corporate language training solution, and is supported by proprietary video classroom technology (Preply Space) and native iOS/Android mobile applications.
Product overview
Preply operates as a global language learning marketplace with two primary offerings: the consumer-facing Preply Marketplace connecting over 100,000 tutors with learners across 180 countries for one-on-one video lessons in more than 90 languages, enhanced with AI-powered features including automated lesson summaries, personalized feedback on grammar and vocabulary, and tailored practice exercises; and Preply Business, a corporate language training solution offering personalized instruction with specialized business communication tutors and manager tools. The platform maintains proprietary video chat technology (Preply Space), mobile applications for iOS and Android, and supplementary tools including placement tests and structured online courses organized by language and proficiency level.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Preply Marketplace Global online language learning marketplace connecting over 100,000 tutors with learners across 180+ countries for one-on-one video lessons in more than 90 languages, enhanced with AI-powered learning tools for personalized feedback, lesson summaries, and progress tracking. Individual learners self-serve book trial and recurring lessons directly through the platform.
- Preply Business Corporate language training solution for teams and businesses offering personalized language learning with online tutors, featuring specialized business communication tutors and manager dashboards for tracking employee progress. Sold on a pay-per-hour model with 12-month fixed pricing cycles, with named customers including Unilever and Datadog.
- Preply Mobile App Native iOS and Android mobile application for Preply with 4.8/5 App Store rating and over 6 million downloads, allowing learners to book lessons, message tutors, and practice with AI tools on mobile devices.
Quantifiable outcome
- Learners progress 3x faster than standard benchmarks and improve CEFR levels in just 12 weeks (2025 Leanlab Education study)
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Preply
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Preply technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability6 records
Feature4 records
Preply partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Two partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.
- OpenAIcorePreply partnered with OpenAI to power AI features including ChatGPT-based lesson summaries and personalized language learning feedback. OpenAI technology underpins Preply's AI Teaching Copilot and AI Lesson Insights tools.
- Leanlab EducationsupportingPreply commissioned independent nonprofit research organization Leanlab Education to conduct efficacy studies on its one-on-one tutoring program. Leanlab published a 2025 study finding learners progress 3x faster than benchmarks.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Preply competitors and assessment
Company assessmentMarket position
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Preply social profiles
Digital presencePreply financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Preply leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
Preply funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds11 records
Investors26 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Preply M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Preply
What does Preply do?
Preply operates a global online language learning marketplace that connects over 100,000 tutors with learners across 180+ countries for one-on-one video lessons in 90+ languages, augmented with AI-powered tools for personalized feedback and lesson summaries. The platform also offers Preply Business, a corporate language training solution, and is supported by proprietary video classroom technology (Preply Space) and native iOS/Android mobile applications.
Is Preply a public or private company?
Preply is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Preply founded?
Preply was founded in 2012. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.
Where is Preply based?
Preply is headquartered in Brookline, United States, in the North America region.
How does Preply make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Marketplace Transaction Fees (Tutor Commission) is the primary driver. The others are preply Business (B2B Corporate Language Training) and consumer Subscription / Per-Lesson Packages.
Does Preply have an API?
No public API is recorded for Preply.
What industry is Preply in?
Preply's product category is Online Language Learning Marketplace. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAFAOAB, Online Tutoring, Conversation Exchange & Language Coaching Platforms, with a secondary code of EDAMAFAD, Live Online Language Tutoring & Small-Group Classes. Its NAICS code is 61163 and its SIC code is 8200.