Preply focuses on interaction, and speaking regularly with a tutor helps learners build confidence early, stay motivated, and apply the language in real-life situations, whether that's work, study, travel, or relocation. Preply also supports teams through Preply Business, offering scalable corporate language training. The platform differentiates through personalized 1-on-1 instruction combined with AI-assisted learning tools, rather than relying solely on gamified or self-paced approaches.
Cyborg Score Rationale
Preply commands a dominant position in the online tutoring marketplace with 100,000+ tutors, global reach across 180+ countries, and a proven two-sided marketplace model generating recurring revenue through subscriptions and commission fees. Strong network effects and content depth (90+ languages, 120+ subjects) create barriers to entry. Recent funding rounds in 2022 and 2023 demonstrate investor confidence.
Top Insights
Preply was launched in summer 2012 as an online marketplace for live, personalized language learning, seeking to differentiate itself from traditional language learning methods by focusing on real-time interaction and individualized instruction.
Preply operates a commission-based marketplace model: tutors retain 67-82% of lesson fees (declining commission rates as tutors teach more hours), while Preply captures value from student subscriptions and a tiered commission structure.
In 2025, the company launched the "Speak Ukraine" campaign, a multimedia initiative aimed at promoting Ukrainian language and culture.
In 2019, Preply entered the Spanish market and opened an office in Barcelona, then expanded further in Europe, including the United Kingdom and Germany, and launched its B2B division, known as Preply Business.
Named Competitors
Italki — Peer-to-peer online language tutoring marketplace
Lingoda — Live group and private language classes with certified teachers and structured curriculum
Verbling — Online platform connecting learners with qualified language tutors for personalized lessons
Busuu — Language learning platform combining self-paced lessons with live tutoring and community feedback
Recent Developments
(2023) Raised an extension round of $70M led by Horizon Capital.
(2022) Closed a round of $50M from diverse reputed investors and expanded its business by bringing in companies like Unilever.
(2025) Launched the "Speak Ukraine" campaign, a multimedia initiative aimed at promoting Ukrainian language and culture.
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