Perplexity is raising over $250 million at a valuation of between $2.5 billion and $3 billion for its AI search platform, according to sources.

Perplexity, the AI search engine startup, is rapidly gaining traction, raising at least $250 million at an impressive valuation of between $2.5 billion and $3 billion. This follows a series of successful funding rounds that have substantially increased the startup's valuation over the past few months, from $540 million in January to $1 billion in March. The company attributes this growth to its unique approach of building algorithms with a variety of Large Language Models (LLMs), offering a rich and accurate generative AI-based search engine experience. The product, which rivals offerings from tech giants like Google and Microsoft, aims to transform how search functions with a chatbot-style interface.

With the foundation set on incorporating multiple cutting-edge foundation models, Perplexity is extending its reach into the enterprise sector with its 'Pro' product. Unlike other tools, it combines various models, including OpenAI GPT-4, Anthropic Claude Opus, and more, providing customers with a tailored experience based on their specific use cases. This advanced development has attracted the interest and investment from notable firms and individuals, further bolstering its market position and indicating a broad endorsement of its approach and potential.

The reason for Perplexity's aggressive fundraising endeavors can be attributed to its ambition to capitalize on the current market interest and the inherently high costs associated with operating and expanding AI services. This strategic move not only highlights the startup's rapid growth and the demand for innovative AI search solutions but also reflects the larger trend within the tech industry towards AI-focused investment and development. Perplexity’s journey underscores the intense competition and rapid evolution in the AI space, as startups and tech titans alike vie to lead in generative AI and specialized applications.