Aravind Srinivas, an IIT Madras graduate and UC Berkeley PhD, co-founded Perplexity AI in 2022 after stints at Google, OpenAI, and DeepMind. At 31, he leads one of the fastest-growing AI companies, challenging giants like ChatGPT by delivering transparent, AI-powered conversational search.
Aravind Srinivas, born and raised in Chennai, India, embodies the rise of Indian-origin tech leaders shaping global innovation. After excelling academically at IIT Madras, Srinivas pursued a PhD in computer science specializing in AI from UC Berkeley. His research roles at top AI labs including OpenAI, Google Brain, and DeepMind empowered his vision for smarter, more transparent AI-powered search experiences.
In 2022, Srinivas co-founded Perplexity AI with the goal to revolutionize online search. Perplexity combines natural conversation and precise, cited answers, setting itself apart from conventional search engines and rivaling platforms like ChatGPT. Its unique approach has attracted global attention and major investors, including Jeff Bezos and Nat Friedman, with an estimated valuation soaring to $18 billion by 2025.
Srinivas’ leadership marks the confluence of cutting-edge research and entrepreneurial acumen, positioning Perplexity as a major player in the AI revolution. Despite buyout interest, he remains committed to growing Perplexity independently with plans for a public listing post-2028.
Key Highlights
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Indian-origin tech visionary and CEO of Perplexity AI, Aravind Srinivas
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IIT Madras alumnus with PhD from UC Berkeley in AI and machine learning
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Former researcher at OpenAI, Google Brain, and DeepMind
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Co-founded Perplexity AI in 2022; innovative AI-powered conversational search engine
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Company valued at $18 billion by 2025; major investors include Jeff Bezos
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Competing with AI giants like ChatGPT on transparency and user trust
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Plans to keep Perplexity independent with IPO plans after 2028
Sources: Times of India, Financial Express, LinkedIn, Business Standard, Stanford GSB