ARAVIND SRINIVAS
Perplexity’s AI got some answers wrong, but it helped Aravind Srinivas find his first users
Perplexity’s early growth came from an unexpected way, people searching for their own social media profiles and sharing the AI’s sometimes amusing answers online. Aravind Srinivas explains how the experiment attracted attention and helped shape the startup’s shift from Twitter search to a broader AI-powered answer engine.
Aravind Srinivas looked up to Google CEO Sundar Pichai before building Perplexity AI; how an unexpected detail stayed with him
Aravind Srinivas co-founded Perplexity AI in 2022 with Andy Konwinski, Denis Yarats and Johnny Ho. They initially experimented with tools that allowed users to search Twitter data through natural-language questions. They later shifted towards general web search. Perplexity was launched in 2022 and its search engine used AI to generate direct answers with citations and links to sources.
Before Perplexity, Aravind Srinivas built a Twitter search tool that changed his startup's direction
Aravind Srinivas and his co-founders experimented with a Twitter search tool before focusing on Perplexity's web search product. An unexpected response to a feature that summarised social media profiles helped shape their next move, eventually leading to a broader mission centred on knowledge and curiosity.
From 'lower middle class' Tamil family, he missed IIT Madras CSE by just 0.01, was rejected by MIT. Today, he is the CEO of a $20 billion AI startup
Perplexity cofounder and CEO Aravind Srinivas turned academic setbacks into a remarkable AI career. After missing IIT Madras Computer Science by 0.01 CGPA, he taught himself coding and machine learning, eventually topping a Computer Science class. MIT rejected his PhD application, but UC Berkeley admitted him. After working with OpenAI and Google DeepMind, Srinivas cofounded Perplexity in 2022. The startup reached a $20 billion valuation in 2025, while Forbes estimates his net worth at $2.1 billion.
AI-focused VC firm Activate closes maiden fund at $105 million
The investment platform comprises an $85 million early-stage fund and $20 million deployed through dedicated growth-stage vehicles. The early-stage fund closed at 125% above its original target, Vaish told ET. The fund, founded in December 2025 by Vaish and former Together Fund investor Pratyush Choudhury, has made 10 investments since its first close in December 2025.
Perplexity CEO announces rollout of hybrid compute feature for Mac application
Artificial intelligence firm Perplexity introduced hybrid compute for all users of its Mac application, enabling tasks to be divided between cloud infrastructure and local devices to protect sensitive records.
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Nvidia discusses Perplexity investment at $30 billion-plus valuation
Nvidia is discussing investing in Perplexity as part of an equity round that would value the AI startup at more than $30 billion, the Information reported on Sunday citing people with knowledge of the discussion.
Perplexity plans 2028 IPO regardless of Anthropic or OpenAI listings: Report
AI firm Perplexity plans to go public in 2028, irrespective of how Anthropic and OpenAI's IPOs perform. CEO Aravind Srinivas stated the 2028 target remains firm, emphasizing the company's focus on building a high-growth business. Perplexity is not facing financial issues and has no immediate plans for an earlier public offering.
‘People don’t like jobs’? Perplexity CEO’s AI layoff comment triggers backlash
Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas sparked outrage by suggesting most people dislike their jobs, implying AI-driven layoffs offer entrepreneurial opportunities. Critics slammed his remarks as insensitive, highlighting the financial hardship of job loss and the necessity of employment for stability. While some agree AI boosts productivity, many decry the perceived disregard for workers' struggles.
Perplexity Computer: CEO Aravind Srinivas unveils the company's "next big thing"
Aravind Srinivas, CEO of Perplexity, revealed Perplexity Computer, a system that unites files, tools, memory, and AI models. It uses multiple specialised models, each handling tasks like reasoning, coding, or writing. Users can assign models to subtasks, giving control over performance and cost.
Aravind Srinivas issues stark warning: Multi-billion data centers may soon become obsolete, Perplexity CEO flags 'biggest threat'
Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas has warned that massive data centers for which big tech giants Meta, Amazon, Microsoft and others are pouring billions of dollars may become irrelevant in the future. He mentioned that the biggest threat to traditional data centres is if AI “can be packed locally on a chip that's running on the device”. Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas highlighted a future where artificial intelligence (AI) shifts from centralised servers to local devices.
Top tech and startup stories this week
Welcome to a new edition of ETtech Unwrapped — our weekend newsletter packed with the most important stories this week. Let's take a look.
Perplexity AI makes Comet browser free for everyone
Perplexity AI has made its Comet browser free for all users, as announced by CEO Aravind Srinivas. The company also introduced Comet Plus, a new subscription for news consumption featuring content from major publishers like CNN and The Washington Post. Publishers will be compensated from a $42.5 million revenue pool for their content.
Satya Nadella more than a tech titan, a mentor too: Perplexity’s Aravind Srinivas
In an interview with ET, Srinivas said that even amid competition in the artificial intelligence space with Perplexity going up against the likes of Copilot, Nadella still focuses on the big picture. He added that Perplexity’s success could create opportunities to partner with Microsoft.
Rs 211,900,000,000: At just 31, this Chennai-born founder becomes India’s youngest billionaire
Aravind Srinivas, Perplexity founder, is India's youngest billionaire. He enters the M3M Hurun India Rich List 2025. Srinivas, 31, has a net worth of Rs 21,190 crore. He studied at IIT Madras and UC Berkeley. Srinivas worked at OpenAI, DeepMind, and Google. He co-founded Perplexity AI in 2022. India is central to Perplexity's growth plans.
Silicon Valley a ‘meritocratic’ hub for outsiders despite H-1B challenges: Perplexity CEO Srinivas
Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas states Silicon Valley remains a unique, meritocratic place for outsiders, despite H-1B visa challenges and new fees impacting immigration. He highlights the critical need for trusted mentors, citing Satya Nadella, for immigrants to succeed in this ecosystem, which continues to attract Big Tech and AI talent.
IIT Madras alumnus Aravind Srinivas, who is making waves in AI world with Perplexity, becomes India's youngest billionaire
Aravind Srinivas, founder of Perplexity, makes his debut as a billionaire. The Chennai-born entrepreneur is 31 years old. He joins the 2025 M3M Hurun India Rich List. His wealth stands at INR 21,190 crore. Srinivas becomes the youngest billionaire on this list. This marks a new entry.
Future of search lies in indexing for AI: Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas
In an exclusive interview with ET's Samidha Sharma, Srinivas said that traditional web indexes were designed for users clicking through links, but new indexes have to let AI systems ingest real-time, grounded information and produce accurate answers.
Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas says AI will completely automate two office jobs with just one prompt
Perplexity AI's CEO, Aravind Srinivas, has unveiled Comet, an AI browser poised to automate recruiting and administrative roles. Comet can source candidates, manage emails, and schedule meetings, potentially impacting white-collar jobs.
Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas has advice for youngsters busy on social media watching reels
Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas has a direct message for the next generation of workers: stop wasting time scrolling through Instagram and start mastering AI tools. Speaking in multiple public conversations, he warned that artificial intelligence is reshaping job markets at a pace humans are struggling to match. With updates arriving every few months, adaptability is now essential. He called on young people to either learn AI or use it to build something new, or risk being sidelined in an increasingly automated world.
From cinema to Sillicon Valley: Kamal Haasan takes a trip to PerplexityAI's San Francisco HQ; pics go viral
Kamal Haasan, the celebrated Indian actor, recently visited Perplexity AI's headquarters in San Francisco, engaging with CEO Aravind Srinivas. Haasan, expressing admiration for Srinivas's innovative spirit, sparked fan enthusiasm, with many suggesting he become Perplexity AI's brand ambassador in India.
Perplexity CEO says AI startup has no financial issues; rules out IPO before 2028
Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas addressed user concerns on Reddit, denying financial troubles and emphasised that there will be no IPO plans before 2028. He explained that Auto mode was designed to reduce UI clutter, not cut costs. Srinivas admitted quality issues due to rapid feature launches, apologised, and promised stronger processes.
31-year-old IITian owns Rs 1.5 lakh crore empire. But his Bengaluru confession to Nikhil Kamath will shock you
Aravind Srinivas, CEO of Perplexity AI, recalls dedicating his time to work during an internship in Bengaluru while appreciating the city's climate. Reflecting on his intense work ethic, Srinivas is motivated by his passion for learning and intellectual challenges.
Perplexity AI looks to expand in India, seeks new talent for strategic growth
Perplexity AI, led by IIT Madras graduate Aravind Srinivas, is seeking to expand in India. The company recently secured $500 million in funding. The role involves travel and meeting with strategic partners in a fast-paced startup environment. Srinivas, previously at OpenAI, stands at the center of the debate on skilled immigrants' contributions to the US.
American claims all AI companies were found by white men. Desi CEO schools him with emojis
Amid debates on H-1B visa reforms, a provocative remark dismissing Indians' role in artificial intelligence gained attention, notably catching the eye of Perplexity AI cofounder Aravind Srinivas. The statement sparked widespread backlash, highlighting Srinivas’ achievements and those of other Indian innovators in shaping the global AI landscape.
Senior American executive thanks IITian immigrant on visa for his job
Aravind Srinivas, co-founder and CEO of Perplexity AI, showcases the positive impact skilled immigrants have on job creation and economic growth in the U.S. Srinivas, who worked at OpenAI and graduated from IIT Madras, advocates for a green card, supported by Elon Musk. Perplexity AI has created over 100 jobs under his leadership.
Elon Musk's one-word response to Indian-origin CEO's green card query sparks debate on US immigration. See viral post
Indian-origin CEO Aravind Srinivas, who has been waiting for his green card for the past three years, took an advice from Elon Musk regarding his application status. Musk's one-word response to Perplexity AI CEO has gone viral and has sparked debate on US immigration. Aravind Srinivas co-founded Perplexity AI in 2022, a search engine.
Indian techie, an IITian, feels he deserves a green card. Elon Musk says yes
Billionaire Elon Musk sparked social media buzz by replying to Aravind Srinivas, CEO of Perplexity AI, on X. Srinivas, awaiting a green card for three years, asked, “I think I should get a green card. Wdyt?” Musk’s one-word response, “Yes,” stood out for its simplicity and impact.
Elon Musk responds to Indian CEO Aravind Srinivas's post on 3-year wait for green card: ‘Trump will fix this’
Perplexity AI’s Indian CEO Aravind Srinivas recently revealed on X, formerly Twitter, that he has been waiting for US green card for the past three years. Tesla CEO and billionaire Elon Musk responded to him, assuring him Donald Trump will fix this issue. A US green card allows a person to work and live permanently in the United States.
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