Perplexity AI search engine

Perplexity AI is a conversational search engine developed by Perplexity AI, Inc. It was founded in August 2022 by a team of engineers with backgrounds in AI research and systems: Aravind Srinivas, Denis Yarats, Johnny Ho, and Andy Konwinski. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, California, which serves as the primary hub for its development and operational activities.

As a software product, Perplexity does not have a traditional physical manufacturing process; however, its infrastructure and development are centered in the United States. The platform distinguishes itself as an 'answer engine' by using large language models (LLMs) to synthesize information from the web into direct, cited responses, rather than just providing a list of links.

Perplexity remains a privately held company. It has successfully raised significant capital from high-profile investors, including Jeff Bezos, NVIDIA, and various prominent venture capital firms like NEA and IVP. As of late 2025 into 2026, the company's valuation has surged to approximately $20 billion, reflecting its position as a major competitor in the generative AI and search space.