Perplexity
TL;DR Perplexity AI, founded in 2022, rapidly became a global leader in conversational AI search, challenging tech giants with cutting-edge large language models, exponential growth, and bold strategic moves.
Perplexity AI, Inc. was founded in San Francisco in August 2022 by Aravind Srinivas, Denis Yarats, Johnny Ho, and Andy Konwinski, engineers with deep expertise in artificial intelligence, search technologies, and cloud data systems. Dissatisfied with traditional search engines, the founders envisioned a platform that directly answers users’ questions, reliably cites sources, and synthesizes context-rich, conversational responses using real-time web data and advanced language models. By combining high-performance infrastructure, transparent information delivery, and intuitive user experiences, Perplexity quickly positioned itself as a formidable competitor in the rapidly evolving search and AI landscape.
Perplexity leverages large language models to power its conversational search engine, which returns instant, cited answers rather than traditional lists of links. Its product suite has expanded to include mobile apps, browser extensions, and the Chromium-based Comet AI browser launched in July 2025. By July 2025, Perplexity had reached a valuation of $18 billion. It processed hundreds of millions of queries monthly, driven by rapid user growth, global expansion, and high-profile investments from leaders such as Jeff Bezos and Nvidia. Strategic initiatives, including a publisher revenue-sharing program, e-commerce integrations, bids for major acquisitions such as Google Chrome, and proposed mergers, demonstrate Perplexity’s ambition to scale competitive, open AI search. The founding team’s diverse backgrounds (including experience at OpenAI, DeepMind, Meta, Quora, Databricks, and Tower Research Capital) underpin the company’s forward-thinking culture and technical prowess.
Pioneered the conversational AI-powered search engine, delivering direct, cited answers for millions of users worldwide.
Launched successful mobile and browser products, including the Comet AI browser and advanced features for real-time and contextual web search.
Surpassed $18 billion valuation by July 2025, backed by major investors and exponential user growth, processing hundreds of millions of daily queries.
Established revenue-sharing partnerships with publishers and integrated e-commerce features, diversifying its business model and expanding global reach.
Made headline strategic moves: bidding $34.5 billion to acquire Google Chrome and pursuing a merger with TikTok US, reflecting its disruptive ambitions.
Attracted industry-leading talent from top AI companies, blending extensive research, product development, and entrepreneurial expertise.
Named CEO Aravind Srinivas as one of Time Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in AI” in 2024, highlighting Perplexity’s leadership in next-generation AI.
Enabled users to verify facts easily through built-in citations, supporting transparency and trust in the AI-powered search experience.
