Perplexity, the creator of an AI-based search engine, is launching a $50 million seed and pre-seed venture capital fund, as reported by CNBC. Most of the funding will come from limited partners, but Perplexity is also contributing some of the funds it secured for its own growth to establish this new venture fund. In December, the company successfully raised $500 million, achieving a valuation of $9 billion.
The fund will be overseen by general partners Kelly Graziadei and Joanna Lee Shevelenko, who co-founded F7 Ventures, an early-stage investment firm, in 2018. F7 Ventures has previously invested in various startups, including a women’s health organization named Midi. It remains uncertain whether Graziadei and Shevelenko will maintain their roles at F7 Ventures or will dedicate themselves entirely to managing Perplexity’s new fund.
This move aligns Perplexity with other major players in the tech industry, like OpenAI, which manages the OpenAI Startup Fund. However, OpenAI has stated that it does not use its own capital for its investments, highlighting a different approach compared to Perplexity’s strategy of deploying its own funds alongside external investments.
This fundraising initiative provides Perplexity with an opportunity to explore new possibilities in the venture capital landscape while continuing to innovate within the field of artificial intelligence. By establishing this fund, Perplexity aims to support early-stage companies and contribute to the growth of the tech ecosystem. Their focus on supporting startups can potentially lead to new advancements and products that resonate with users, further enhancing the impact of AI in everyday life.
Overall, Perplexity’s decision to create a dedicated venture fund reflects its commitment to expanding its influence and infrastructure in the tech world, positioning itself as a key player in the ongoing development of artificial intelligence and its applications.
