Perplexity AI, an artificial intelligence start-up specializing in AI-powered search technology, has reached a valuation of $18 billion following a recent $100 million funding round. This latest valuation marks a substantial increase from the $14 billion valuation recorded just two months prior and a dramatic rise from the $500 million valuation at the start of 2024. The company’s annualized revenue has surged from $35 million in August 2024 to $150 million as of July 2025. Founded in 2022 and led by CEO Aravind Srinivas, Perplexity AI competes directly with Google in the AI search space. The funding round attracted investments from prominent backers including Nvidia, SoftBank Vision Fund 2, NEA, and IVP. The rapid increase in valuation and revenue underscores growing investor confidence in AI-driven technologies and highlights Perplexity’s emergence as a significant player in the generative AI sector.