Perplexity AI in talks to raise funds at $18 billion valuation, source says

Perplexity AI in talks to raise funds at $18 billion valuation, source says

  • 21.03.2025 02:11
  • economictimes.indiatimes.com
  • Keywords: danger, danger

Perplexity AI is in talks to raise funds at an $18 billion valuation, doubling its previous $9 billion figure. Backed by Jeff Bezos and SoftBank, the startup aims to compete with Google's Gemini and OpenAI's ChatGPT while meeting rising demand for AI search tools.

Alphabet ReportsAMZNsentiment_satisfiedSFTBYsentiment_satisfiedNVDAsentiment_satisfiedMSFTsentiment_dissatisfiedGOOGLsentiment_dissatisfiedNWSAsentiment_neutral

Estimated market influence

Perplexity AI

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: N/A

Perplexity AI is in talks to raise funds at an $18 billion valuation, which would significantly boost its growth and market presence. The company aims to compete with major players like Google's Gemini and Microsoft-backed OpenAI's ChatGPT by enhancing its features and developing new products such as Comet.

Amazon

Amazon

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: Strong buy

Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos is backing Perplexity AI, which could enhance the startup's credibility and access to resources. Amazon's support may provide strategic advantages in the competitive AI market.

SoftBank Group

SoftBank Group

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: Strong buy

Japan's SoftBank Group is a key investor in Perplexity AI, contributing to its high valuation and growth potential. This partnership underscores the company's ability to attract major financial backers.

Nvidia

Nvidia

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: Strong buy

Nvidia's backing of Perplexity AI highlights the startup's technological capabilities and aligns with broader trends in AI development. Nvidia's investment could accelerate advancements in AI search tools.

Google

Negativesentiment_dissatisfied
Analyst rating: N/A

Perplexity AI is positioning itself as a competitor to Google's Gemini, which may result in increased competition and potential market share loss for Google in the AI-driven search engine space.

Microsoft

Microsoft

Negativesentiment_dissatisfied
Analyst rating: Strong buy

As Microsoft supports OpenAI, Perplexity AI's competition with ChatGPT could lead to a more competitive landscape, affecting both companies' market positions and revenue streams.

OpenAI

Neutralsentiment_neutral
Analyst rating: N/A

While OpenAI is mentioned as a competitor, there is no direct indication of its role in Perplexity AI's current funding round or strategic relationship. However, the competition could influence the broader AI market dynamics.

Alphabet

Alphabet

Negativesentiment_dissatisfied
Analyst rating: Buy

Perplexity AI aims to challenge Alphabet's Google in the search engine market, which may lead to increased competition and potential shifts in market leadership.

News Corp

News Corp

Neutralsentiment_neutral
Analyst rating: Strong buy

Accusations of plagiarism from News Corp-owned outlets could impact Perplexity AI's reputation and partnerships. However, the company has a publisher partnership program to address these issues.

Forbes

Neutralsentiment_neutral
Analyst rating: N/A

Forbes is one of the media organizations accusing Perplexity AI of plagiarism. While this could harm the startup's image, it's part of broader challenges in content creation and intellectual property.

Wired

Neutralsentiment_neutral
Analyst rating: N/A

Wired has also accused Perplexity AI of copying content, which may affect its relationships with publishers. The company is addressing this through a partnership program to work with news firms.

Context

Analysis of Perplexity AI Fundraising and Market Implications

Key Facts and Data Points

  • Valuation: Perplexity AI is in talks to raise funds at an $18 billion valuation.
  • Previous Valuation: The company was previously valued at $9 billion, as reported by Reuters in November.
  • Funding Round: Discussions are ongoing for a funding round of between $500 million and $1 billion.
  • Backers: Perplexity is backed by Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos and Japan's SoftBank Group.

Market Trends and Business Impact

  • AI Search Demand: The growing adoption of chatbots and AI agents has increased investor interest in AI startups like Perplexity.
  • Competitive Landscape: Perplexity is competing with established players such as Google's Gemini and Microsoft-backed OpenAI's ChatGPT.

Competitive Dynamics

  • Product Development: Perplexity has been upgrading its platform features to better compete with competitors.
  • New Product Launch: The company recently teased a new AI-powered web browser, Comet, capable of conducting extensive research, executing tasks, and making decisions.

Challenges and Risks

  • Accusations of Plagiarism: Perplexity has faced allegations from media organizations, including News Corp-owned outlets, Forbes, and Wired, accusing the startup of content plagiarism.
  • Publisher Partnership Program: The company has implemented a partnership program to work with news firms, potentially mitigating some risks.

Broader Market Implications

  • AI Investment Momentum: The $18 billion valuation reflects the soaring demand for AI tools and the growing interest from investors in the sector.
  • Comparison with OpenAI: OpenAI's recent $6.6 billion funding round has valued the company at $157 billion, further cementing its position as a leading player in the AI space.

Strategic Considerations

  • Market Challenge: Perplexity is among the leading firms attempting to challenge incumbents like Alphabet's Google in the search engine market.
  • Long-term Effects: Success in this competitive landscape could redefine the search engine industry, potentially altering market dynamics and regulatory considerations.

Regulatory Impacts (if relevant)

  • No specific regulatory impacts were mentioned in the text.