Founded in
2022, Perplexity AI is designed as a conversational AI search engine that leverages
large language models to synthesize responses to user queries based on
real-time internet data. This dynamic blending of information retrieval and AI responsiveness places Perplexity in direct competition with established giants like Google and ChatGPT’s
OpenAI. Their strategy, powered by partnerships with AI leaders like
Microsoft, has led to significant investment and competitive positioning (
CNBC).
Rapid growth can be attributed to solid funding and significant investor interest. Within
2024, Perplexity was reported to be nearing a
$500 million funding round, bringing its valuation close to
$9 billion (
CNBC). Notably,
softbank,
Nvidia, and
Jeff Bezos are among its backers, showcasing high-profile confidence in AI’s potential. This level of backing not only bolsters Perplexity’s operational capabilities but increases its visibility in the competitive landscape.
Perplexity AI stands out due to its unique approach to the search experience. The platform allows users to ask questions and receive synthesized, cited answers, thus blending standard search functionalities with advanced AI methodologies in an engaging format (
Wikipedia). As a result, the platform serves roughly
230 million queries per month, significantly enhancing its user interaction metrics compared to standard search formats.