- Preply, a language learning marketplace, achieved a $1.2 billion valuation after securing a $150 million Series D funding round and has been EBITDA profitable for twelve months.
- The company is integrating AI to enhance its platform and match learners with tutors, while emphasizing that AI will augment, not replace, human instructors.
- Preply remains committed to its Kyiv office and Ukrainian employees, who have demonstrated resilience and creativity amidst the ongoing war.

A: Hey! Did you hear about Preply? You know, that language learning website?

B: No, what's new with them?

A: They just got a huge investment! Like, $150 million!

B: Wow! That’s a lot of money! So, what does that mean?

A: It means they’re worth over a billion dollars now! They’re a "unicorn" company!

B: Seriously? That’s amazing! They’ve been around for a while, right?

A: Yep, since 2013. They connect students with language tutors. And they're actually making a profit now!

B: That’s great news! But I heard Duolingo had problems with AI...

A: Right! Preply is using AI too, but they say they won’t replace the teachers. It's to help match students with the best tutors, and things like that.

B: That's good. I'd miss real teachers! I wonder where their main office is?

A: It’s technically in the US, but the founders are Ukrainian. They're really supporting their team in Kyiv.

B: Wow, really? That's so admirable. I heard there's been a lot going on there...

A: Yeah, it's tough. But Preply is helping their employees there, even with the power outages and everything. They have generators and a warm office 24/7!

B: That’s incredible! They seem like a really good company.

A: Totally! They’re even thinking about going public someday! Like an IPO.

B: That's big! So, they’re really growing!