Perplexity AI, a startup founded by former Google and OpenAI employees, has raised $500 million in funding at a valuation of $9 billion. The company aims to become the “Google for AI” by building a platform that makes it easier for businesses to access and use artificial intelligence models. Perplexity’s platform allows users to search for and deploy AI models from various providers, similar to how Google indexes websites. The funding round was led by Andreessen Horowitz, with participation from Founders Fund, Dustin Moskovitz, and others. Perplexity plans to use the funds to expand its team and develop its platform further. The company’s co-founder, Pandu Nayak, believes that AI will become a utility like electricity, and Perplexity aims to be the platform that makes it accessible to everyone. The startup’s valuation reflects the growing interest and investment in AI technology.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/perplexity-ai-valuation-funding-500-million-9-billion-2024-12