• Perplexity AI is in advanced talks to raise $500 million in a funding round led by Accel, potentially valuing the company at $14 billion.
  • The startup offers AI-powered search tools competing with OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini, focusing on fast, conversational responses.
  • Apple is reportedly considering integrating Perplexity’s AI search into its Safari browser, which could significantly expand the startup’s user base.

Artificial intelligence search startup Perplexity AI is reportedly in advanced talks to raise $500 million in a new funding round that could value the company at $14 billion, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

The round is expected to be led by venture capital firm Accel, the report added, citing people familiar with the matter.

The funding move comes less than a year after the Nvidia-backed startup raised capital at a $9 billion valuation, underscoring the rapid pace at which investor interest in AI-driven platforms is accelerating.

Perplexity offers AI-powered search tools that deliver concise information summaries to users, functioning in a similar space as OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini.

These tools are part of a fast-growing segment of AI applications designed to improve search efficiency by providing more intuitive, conversational responses to user queries.

Investor enthusiasm in this space has surged over the past year, driven by the evolving capabilities of AI chatbots and the potential for integration into mainstream user platforms.

In March, Reuters had reported that Perplexity was in discussions to raise between $500 million and $1 billion at a possible $18 billion valuation. While that figure appears to have been revised down for the current round, the funding still positions the startup as a major player in the AI space.

Adding to the company’s momentum, Apple is reportedly planning to include AI search tools like Perplexity in its Safari browser.

If implemented, this move could significantly expand Perplexity’s visibility by placing its tools in front of millions of Apple users worldwide.

Edited by Annette George