Perplexity AI’s new venture fund to support early-stage AI startups, aiming to advance AI innovation and foster an ecosystem where these startups can thrive.
Perplexity AI, a leader in AI-powered search, is launching a $50M venture fund to invest in pre-seed and seed-stage AI startups across the United States. While the company will serve as an anchor investor, the majority of the capital will come from external limited partners. This initiative underscores Perplexity AI’s commitment to advancing artificial intelligence by empowering early-stage companies with the funding and resources needed to scale.
In the rapidly evolving AI landscape, securing early-stage funding remains a major challenge for startups. Many promising ideas struggle to transition from concept to execution due to financial constraints and limited industry support. Perplexity AI aims to bridge this gap by providing capital to emerging companies, enabling them to refine their technologies, establish sustainable business models, and introduce cutting-edge AI solutions. With AI applications expanding across industries, this fund is set to play a crucial role in accelerating innovation.
Experienced leadership driving Perplexity AI investment strategy
The fund will be led by general partners Kelly Graziadei and Joanna Lee Shevelenko, co-founders of early-stage investment firm f7 Ventures. With extensive experience in venture capital and startup growth, they bring deep expertise in identifying high-potential AI-driven companies. A U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filing from October confirms that Perplexity F7 Fund I aims to raise $50M, with Graziadei and Shevelenko at the helm.
Their investment philosophy prioritises a founder-first approach, focusing not only on capital investment but also on strategic mentorship, guidance, and access to a strong professional network. Over the years, f7 Ventures has built a reputation for backing high-growth technology startups, particularly in AI and automation, making the duo well-positioned to guide Perplexity’s latest initiative.
Perplexity AI’s expanding influence in the AI space
Since the launch of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in late 2022, Perplexity AI has been at the forefront of the generative AI boom. In November, CNBC reported that the company was nearing the completion of a $500M funding round, elevating its valuation to $9B. As AI-driven search continues to gain traction, Perplexity AI is increasingly seen as a competitor to Google, signalling a shift in how users seek information online.
Beyond its search engine, Perplexity AI is expanding into broader AI applications. The company recently made headlines with its bid to merge with TikTok U.S., highlighting its ambitions to integrate AI functionalities into the wider digital landscape. With its new venture fund, Perplexity AI is positioning itself as both an innovator and a key investor in shaping the next wave of AI-driven companies.
Unique strategic advantages and long-term vision
Perplexity AI’s extensive network includes around 80,000 developers who engage with its application programming interface (API). This ecosystem provides the company with unparalleled visibility into emerging AI innovations. By closely monitoring developer activity, Perplexity AI can identify and invest in the most promising startups early, leveraging its deep industry insights to support businesses with high growth potential.
This initiative extends beyond funding—it is about fostering an ecosystem where AI startups can thrive. Through access to cutting-edge AI models, collaborative opportunities, and industry expertise, Perplexity AI aims to provide its portfolio companies with more than just financial backing.
Additionally, Perplexity AI’s founders and investors are contributing to the fund, with part of the company’s commitment coming in the form of stock. This move aligns Perplexity’s success with that of the startups it supports, reinforcing its long-term commitment to AI innovation.
Through this $50M venture fund, Perplexity AI is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence. By backing early-stage startups, the company is not only accelerating industry-wide innovation but also strengthening its own position as a leader in the AI-driven search and technology sector.
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