Perplexity AI is in discussions to raise between $500 million and $1 billion in a new funding round that could double its valuation to $18 billion, according to a source familiar with the matter. The Nvidia-backed startup, which competes with Google’s Gemini and OpenAI’s ChatGPT, has seen surging demand for its AI-powered search tools.
Backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Japan’s SoftBank, Perplexity has been expanding its features to stay ahead in the AI-driven search market. Last month, the company introduced Comet, an AI-enhanced web browser capable of executing complex tasks, and its Deep Research tool, which compiles information from multiple sources for comprehensive reports.
Despite its rapid growth, Perplexity has faced plagiarism allegations from media outlets, including Forbes and Wired, though it maintains a publisher partnership program to collaborate with news organizations.
The AI investment landscape remains competitive, with OpenAI securing $6.6 billion in funding last October, potentially valuing the company at $157 billion.
Source: Swifteradio.com
