Perplexity, the AI-powered search startup backed by Nvidia ( NVDA , Financials ), is reportedly in late-stage talks to raise $500 million at a valuation of $14 billion, according to The Wall Street Journal .
The round is expected to be led by venture capital firm Accel and could significantly boost Perplexity's financial position as it aims to compete with Google ( GOOGL , Financials ) in the search engine space.
Perplexity was last valued at $9 billion in December, when it raised funds from investors including Institutional Venture Partners.
The company's backers include high-profile names such as Nvidia and Amazon ( AMZN , Financials ) co-founder Jeff Bezos, indicating strong institutional confidence in its AI capabilities.
Apple ( AAPL , Financials ) executive Eddy Cue recently said the iPhone maker was in discussions with Perplexity, noting a decline in Safari browser queries as context.
The potential funding round would signal growing investor appetite for generative AI challengers, especially those positioned against incumbents like Google.
Perplexity has not yet responded to media inquiries about the round.
Investors should watch for confirmation of the funding deal and details of any new commercial partnerships that could follow.
Explore the Perplexity backers:
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