Perplexity AI Secures $50 Million in Seed and Pre-seed VC Fund Led by Female Founders
Perplexity AI, a San Francisco-based AI-powered search engine startup, has raised $50 million through its Seed and Pre-seed VC fund, the Perplexity F7 Fund I, managed by founders Kelly Graziadei and Joanna Lee Shevelenko. The funding round was backed by the founders themselves along with undisclosed limited partners, marking a significant milestone for this female-led venture.
The company integrates traditional web search with large language models to deliver conversational answers to users, complete with source citations. Founded by Graziadei and Shevelenko, Perplexity AI aims to redefine how users interact with search engines by combining AI advancements with reliable information sourcing.
Deal Details
Amount: $50 million
Round: Seed and Pre-seed VC fund
Investors: Kelly Graziadei, Joanna Lee Shevelenko, Limited partners (specific names not disclosed)
Location: San Francisco, USA
About Perplexity AI
Perplexity AI is an innovative startup developing a next-generation search engine that leverages artificial intelligence to provide users with conversational, context-aware answers. By integrating large language models with traditional web search, the platform enhances user experience through accurate, sourced responses. The company is led by Kelly Graziadei and Joanna Lee Shevelenko, who also manage the Perplexity F7 Fund I, supporting early-stage startups. This dual role as founders and fund managers highlights their commitment to advancing AI technology while fostering new ventures in the space.
What This Means
The $50 million fund underscores growing investor confidence in AI-driven search technologies and the increasing prominence of female founders in the tech ecosystem. Perplexity AI’s approach addresses a critical market need for trustworthy, AI-enhanced search results amid rising concerns over misinformation. The capital is expected to accelerate product development and expand the company’s reach, positioning Perplexity AI as a notable contender in the evolving AI search engine market.