Preply Reaches $1.2B Valuation in $150M Series D, Maintains Kyiv Operations Amid War

Language learning platform Preply has achieved unicorn status with a $1.2 billion valuation after closing a $150 million Series D round, led by WestCap, the growth equity firm of former Airbnb CFO Laurence Tosi. The funding marks a milestone for the 14-year-old company, which has been EBITDA profitable for 12 consecutive months and continues to scale its AI-enhanced marketplace. Despite integrating AI tools for tutor matching, lesson summaries, and homework support, Preply insists it will not replace human tutors. The company employs approximately 150 staff in Kyiv, where operations remain active 24/7 with backup generators and internet despite ongoing Russian attacks. CEO Kirill Bigai credited Ukrainian resilience as a core driver of Preply’s adaptability and innovation during wartime. With offices in Barcelona, London, New York, and Kyiv, Preply is now hiring AI talent globally. While no IPO timeline has been set, Bigai cited WestCap’s public market experience as a potential future path. Preply joins other Ukrainian-founded unicorns like Grammarly and Fintech-IT Group.