Prep

What Prep does

Prep is a Vietnam-based, Singapore-incorporated (PREP PTE. LTD., UEN 202227322W) AI-powered language learning and standardized test preparation platform operating across Southeast Asia. Founded in 2020 and serving 100,000+ students, the company delivers structured exam preparation for IELTS, TOEIC, and HSK alongside a general English speaking program (PrepTalk English). Its core product surface combines curriculum content with three proprietary AI features: the Virtual Speaking Room and Virtual Writing Room, which provide immersive practice with automated feedback on grammar, pronunciation, ideas, logic, and vocabulary, and Teacher Bee AI, a 24/7 generative AI learning companion that guides and motivates learners. A personalized learning path engine tailors content to each learner's profile and goals, while AI mock tests replicate real exam conditions.

Prep distributes primarily through self-serve digital channels, including its website (prepedu.com) and native mobile apps on Google Play and Apple App Store, supplemented by content marketing, SEO, and participation in regional education summits. A dedicated B2B portal at business.prepedu.com targets educational institutions and corporate clients. Revenue is generated through subscription-based course access, though specific pricing tiers are not publicly disclosed. The company has raised $9 million in total funding across three rounds: $1M from Touchstone Partners (August 2022), $1M co-led by East Ventures and Cercano Management (April 2023), and a $7M Series A co-led by Cercano Management Asia and Northstar Ventures (May 2024). Its most recent strategic emphasis is geographic expansion into Indonesia alongside ongoing product development.

Name

Prep

Legal name

PREP PTE. LTD.

Website

https://prepedu.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Prep is a Vietnam-based AI-powered language learning and standardized test preparation platform serving 100,000+ students across Southeast Asia with IELTS, TOEIC, HSK, and English speaking courses featuring AI Virtual Rooms and Teacher Bee AI tutor.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Online Test Preparation Software

NAICS

Exam Preparation and Tutoring (611691), Educational Support Services (61171)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Prepackaged Software (7372)

akta.pro primary industry

Language Assessment, Placement Testing & Proficiency Certification Tools (EDAFAOAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

AI-Powered Language Tutors, Chatbots & Speaking Practice Tools (EDAFAOAC), AI-Powered Tutoring & Study Assistant Platforms (EDANAGAD)

Keywords

• AI language learning
• IELTS test preparation
• Online test prep platform
• AI speaking practice
• Language learning software

Headquarters

HQ city

Hanoi

HQ country

Vietnam

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Course Subscriptions: Subscription-based access to comprehensive language learning courses for IELTS, TOEIC, HSK, and PrepTalk English. Learners pay for access to structured curriculum, AI tools, practice materials, and progress tracking features.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Prep operates an AI-powered language learning and standardized test preparation platform delivering subscription-based courses for IELTS, TOEIC, and HSK exams alongside PrepTalk English conversational practice. The platform leverages proprietary AI Virtual Speaking and Writing Rooms and a 24/7 AI tutor (Teacher Bee AI) to provide personalized, immersive practice with automated feedback for individual learners and enterprise customers across Southeast Asia.

Product overview

Prep is an AI-powered language learning and test preparation platform offering a suite of exam preparation products (IELTS, TOEIC, HSK) alongside speaking practice programs (PrepTalk English). The platform integrates AI-powered virtual rooms for speaking and writing practice, along with Teacher Bee AI as a 24/7 learning companion. The portfolio centers on personalized learning paths with AI feedback for language learners preparing for standardized tests.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Prep AI Virtual Speaking Room: AI-powered virtual environment for practicing speaking skills with feedback on grammar, pronunciation, ideas, logic, and vocabulary
• Prep AI Virtual Writing Room
• Teacher Bee AI
• PrepTalk English

Products and services

• IELTS Course Comprehensive language learning package for IELTS exam preparation covering all four skills (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing) with AI Virtual Rooms for immersive practice; designed for individual learners and institutions preparing students for the IELTS test.
• TOEIC Course Test preparation course for the TOEIC exam featuring a structured study plan and AI-powered virtual room practice to help learners efficiently reach target scores.
• HSK Course Chinese language (HSK) exam preparation course starting from basics, with AI-powered speaking practice and step-by-step skill improvement for learners preparing for HSK certification.
• PrepTalk English Speaking practice program using everyday topics with AI-powered role-play situations and quick feedback designed to improve conversational English for working professionals and general learners.
• Test Practice IELTS Standalone mock test environment for IELTS exam practice that simulates real test conditions and lets students track exam readiness, sold alongside the IELTS Course.
• Prep Mobile App Mobile application distributed on Google Play and Apple App Store giving students access to all Prep learning programs and AI practice tools on iOS and Android devices.
• Prep Business Platform Dedicated business platform at business.prepedu.com delivering Prep's AI-powered language learning solutions to educational institutions and corporate clients for cohort-based training of their students or employees.

Quantifiable outcome

• Students achieve 1+ band score improvement on IELTS after studying with Prep
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability7 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• IDP EducationminorOthersIDP is recognized as an official IELTS test organizer and appears as a trusted partner on Prep's platform, validating Prep's alignment with official testing standards.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Babbel: Subscription-based language learning platform with AI-personalized lessons. Broader incumbent competing for the same general English learning wallet share as Prep's PrepTalk English product, with strong brand and global presence.
• Duolingo: Global leader in AI-driven language learning with freemium model and Duolingo English Test. Not focused on test prep specifically, but has massive scale, brand recognition, and the resources to enter test prep adjacencies - a significant competitive threat.
• Busuu: AI-enhanced language learning platform with community features and McGraw-Hill partnership. Broader incumbent in the same self-serve language learning category, with similar subscription business model and AI personalization.

Direct peers

• Cambly: Connects English learners with native speakers for speaking practice. Comparable to Prep's speaking practice focus but human-tutor based rather than AI - represents the traditional model Prep is disrupting with AI-led speaking rooms.
• Cake (by English Droid): Vietnam-based AI-powered English learning app using short video clips and AI feedback. Closest direct peer geographically and product-wise, focused on conversational English rather than exam prep, but competes for the same Vietnamese learner base.
• E2Language: IELTS and PTE test preparation platform with live classes and AI-supported practice. Direct competitor in the IELTS prep segment, established globally with PTE/IELTS specialization similar to Prep's positioning.
• Magoosh: Online test preparation company for GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS, and other standardized exams. Comparable business model (self-serve online test prep with AI-supported practice) and similar B2C exam-prep positioning.
• ELSA (English Language Speech Assistant): AI-powered English speech recognition app that provides pronunciation feedback. Directly comparable to Prep's Virtual Speaking Room - both use AI to assess spoken English and target language learners in Asia, though ELSA is broader (not tied to specific exams).

Others

• IDP Education: Official IELTS test organizer and Prep's listed partner. Not a direct competitor but a critical ecosystem player - IDP's distribution and brand give Prep credibility, but IDP could also enter AI prep directly, which would be a major competitive risk.

Emerging players

• Speak: AI English tutor that uses conversational AI to teach speaking. Overlaps with Prep's PrepTalk English and Virtual Speaking Room. Korean-founded with strong Asian market focus and significant VC backing - a meaningful emerging threat in the AI English learning space.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/prepforielts
• Facebookfacebook.com/hocieltscungprep

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds3 records

Investors5 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Prep