Perplexity's $9 Billion AI Startup Critiques Google in Lee Jung-jae Ad Backed by Mid-Seven-Figure Investment

Perplexity, an AI search startup valued at $9 billion, has launched its first celebrity-led ad campaign featuring 'Squid Game' actor Lee Jung-jae. The campaign, backed by a mid-seven-figure investment, highlights Perplexity's AI capabilities in contrast to Google, referred to as 'Poogle,' and critiques its AI tool Gemini. The 90-second ad, filmed in Korea, portrays Lee Jung-jae in a 'Squid Game'-like scenario where he must solve questions to escape a room. The ad humorously references a past 'Poogle' AI fail, where Google's AI suggested using glue to make cheese stick to pizza, while Perplexity provides accurate answers. It also showcases Perplexity's AI assistant's ability to deliver clear and actionable responses. The campaign is airing on major streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime, Disney, Hulu, and Twitch, with localized versions in 10 languages for markets in Korea, Japan, and Europe. It coincides with the anticipated release of 'Squid Game' Season 3 on Netflix in June. Perplexity fields over 20 million daily queries and aims to reach 100 million within a year. The startup has integrated its enterprise pro tier into Lee Jung-jae's management company workflows and continues to expand its product suite, including an Android assistant and an AI-driven browser called Comet.