Perplexity AI is a rapidly growing artificial intelligence startup founded in 2022 by Aravind Srinivas, Denis Yarats, Johnny Ho, and Andy Konwinski, all of whom have substantial backgrounds in AI and machine learning from companies like OpenAI and Meta. The company is headquartered in **San Francisco, USA**[3][5].

Perplexity AI is a rapidly growing artificial intelligence startup founded in 2022 by Aravind Srinivas, Denis Yarats, Johnny Ho, and Andy Konwinski, all of whom have substantial backgrounds in AI and machine learning from companies like OpenAI and Meta. The company is headquartered in **San Francisco, USA**[3][5]. 

### [Features of Perplexity AI](pplx://action/followup)

Perplexity distinguishes itself as an **answer engine** that combines traditional search methods with large language models (LLMs). Key features include:

- **[Conversational Interface](pplx://action/followup)**: Users can ask questions in natural language and receive immediate responses with citations[2][3].

- **[Model Selection](pplx://action/followup)**: Subscribers can choose from various LLMs like OpenAI's GPT-4 and Google's Gemini for tailored search experiences[9].

- **[Enterprise Solutions](pplx://action/followup)**: The Enterprise Pro version offers enhanced security features for business users, priced at $40 per month[1][9].

- **[User Engagement](pplx://action/followup)**: The platform allows users to filter searches based on categories like academic papers and trending topics[8].

### [Comparative Analysis with Other Generative AI Platforms](pplx://action/followup)

| Feature | Perplexity AI | ChatGPT (OpenAI) | Bard (Google) |

|-------------------------------|----------------------------------|---------------------------------|--------------------------------|

| **[Interface](pplx://action/followup)** | Conversational search | Chat interface | Chat interface |

| **[Citations](pplx://action/followup)** | Yes, with sources | Limited, no direct citations | Limited, no direct citations |

| **[Model Flexibility](pplx://action/followup)** | Yes, multiple LLM options | Primarily GPT models | Primarily Google models |

| **[Enterprise Solutions](pplx://action/followup)** | Yes | Limited enterprise features | Limited enterprise features |

| **[Customization](pplx://action/followup)** | User preferences in searches | Basic customization | Basic customization |

### [Market Position](pplx://action/followup)

Perplexity has quickly reached a valuation of **$1 billion**, fueled by significant investments from notable figures like Jeff Bezos and firms such as NVIDIA[1][3]. It aims to challenge established players like Google by enhancing the user experience through transparency and accuracy in information retrieval.

In summary, Perplexity AI is positioned as a strong competitor in the generative AI space, leveraging its unique features to differentiate itself from traditional search engines and other AI platforms.

Citations:

[1] Perplexity Valued at $1 Billion as It Challenges Google Search | PYMNTS.com https://www.pymnts.com/news/investment-tracker/2024/perplexity-valued-at-1-billion-as-it-challenges-google-search/

[2] Our Investment in Perplexity AI: Answer Engines and the End of Traditional Search | NEA https://www.nea.com/blog/our-investment-in-perplexity-ai-answer-engines-and-the-end-of-traditional-search

[3] What Is The Perplexity Search Engine & Which Private Company Is Behind It? - SlashGear https://www.slashgear.com/1686143/perplexity-search-engine-explained-about-which-artificial-intelligence-company-behind/

[4] Perplexity https://www.cbinsights.com/company/perplexity-ai

[5] Perplexity AI | Founders, Investors, & Facts | Britannica https://www.britannica.com/technology/Perplexity-AI

[6] ‘Like Wikipedia and ChatGPT had a kid': Inside the buzzy AI startup coming for Google's lunch https://www.forbes.com.au/news/innovation/perplexity-ai-like-wikipedia-and-chatgpt-had-a-kid/

[7] AI-powered search engine Perplexity AI, now valued at $520M, raises $73.6M | TechCrunch https://techcrunch.com/2024/01/04/ai-powered-search-engine-perplexity-ai-now-valued-at-520m-raises-70m/

[8] Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas Talks Future of Information Seeking https://blog.hubspot.com/ai/aravind-srinivas-talks-search

[9] Perplexity AI Lands $63M for Generative AI Search at $1B valuation- SiliconANGLE https://siliconangle.com/2024/04/23/perplexity-ai-lands-63m-funding-generative-ai-search-1b-valuation/