Perplexity AI, the AI-powered search engine startup, has launched a $50 million venture fund to invest in seed and pre-seed startups, particularly in the AI and search technology space.
The majority of the capital comes from limited partners, but Perplexity AI is also contributing from its own corporate funds—part of the $500 million it raised in December 2024 at a $9 billion valuation.
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Backing the Next Wave of AI Innovation
The Perplexity Venture Fund will be managed by Kelly Graziadei and Joanna Lee Shevelenko, co-founders of F7 Ventures, an early-stage VC firm that has previously invested in startups like women’s health company Midi. It remains unclear whether they will continue operating F7 Ventures separately or fully focus on Perplexity’s fund.
A Growing Trend of AI Firms Launching Venture Arms
Perplexity joins a trend of AI companies launching investment funds. OpenAI’s Startup Fund, for example, has backed AI-driven startups, though OpenAI states it does not use its own capital for investments—a contrast to Perplexity’s approach.
With this new $50M fund, Perplexity AI aims to support the next generation of AI-driven startups, solidifying its position not just as a search engine disruptor, but also as a major investor in the AI ecosystem.
