Perplexity AI Acquires Carbon, Reaches $9 Billion Valuation in 2021
Perplexity AI, a prominent player in the AI industry often seen as a competitor to ChatGPT, made waves recently with its acquisition of Seattle-based startup Carbon. The acquisition, as announced by the company on Dec. 18, marks a significant milestone for Perplexity as it delves into the realm of connecting AI systems to external data sources.
Unveiling the Acquisition Details
CEO Aravind Srinivas shared that this strategic move will enable Perplexity to delve into the depths of your files and work messages in Notion, Google Docs, Slack, and other enterprise applications, in addition to scouring the web. The integration of Carbon’s expertise in retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) into Perplexity’s arsenal is poised to revolutionize the way large language models (LLMs) retrieve and generate responses.
A Glimpse into Perplexity’s Growth
With the acquisition of Carbon’s technology and team, Perplexity is poised to venture into the realm of launching enterprise search products. These products serve as a bridge between generative AI and enterprise databases, empowering employees to sift through the vast sea of unstructured data accumulated over the years.
A Leap in Valuation and Funding
In a recent funding round led by Institutional Venture Partners (IVP), Perplexity secured a staggering $500 million, propelling its valuation to the rumored $9 billion mark. This exponential growth comes on the heels of previous investments that saw the company’s valuation skyrocket from $1 billion in April to $3 billion in June, fueled by backing from the likes of SoftBank Group Vision Fund 2 and Nvidia.
Paving the Way for Intelligent Business Tools
As the landscape of enterprise AI continues to evolve, trailblazers like Perplexity are shaping the future of intelligent business tools. These advancements not only redefine how organizations engage with data but also streamline workflows and optimize operations. The ongoing innovation in AI is poised to unlock new opportunities for businesses, driving growth and ensuring competitiveness in a rapidly evolving digital era.
Vishnu Kaimal, a seasoned journalist with a passion for storytelling, sheds light on the transformative journey of Perplexity AI. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for unraveling complex narratives, Vishnu brings a unique perspective to the world of technology and innovation. When he’s not immersed in the realm of journalism, Vishnu finds solace in the pages of books and the immersive world of narrative-driven video games, showcasing a multifaceted approach to storytelling and exploration in the digital age.
