Perplexity
Delivers direct, cited, real-time answers to complex queries using large language models, eliminating the need to sift through traditional search result pages. Offers a faster, more authoritative research experience for consumers and enterprise users alike.
Last updated Nov 3, 2026 by the ATDb Editorial Team · Connections updated Nov 6, 2026
AI-drafted from public sources15 sources cited
At a glance
- Employees
- 201-500
- Funding
- ~$1.72B
- Revenue
- $50M–$100M ARR (estimated)
About
Leading AI-native answer engine; primary non-Google/Bing search challenger in the generative AI era; central reference point for GEO strategy and AI search monetization debate
Perplexity is a conversational AI-powered search engine that generates answers to user queries. Its ad format was a sponsored query that appeared after a user submitted a prompt, with a sponsored slot surfaced among AI-generated follow-up questions at the bottom of the results page. Rather than a cost-per-click model, Perplexity charged advertisers on a CPM basis, reflecting a focus on brand awareness over direct-response. Ad buyers struggled to measure performance metrics such as click-through rates and return on ad spend, as the platform lacked the measurement tools offered by established ad players. Perplexity stopped accepting new advertisers in late 2025, and in February 2026 the Financial Times reported it was winding the ad program down by the end of 2026, with executives saying ads risk eroding user trust. Its revenue now rests on subscriptions.
Business model
Subscription (consumer + enterprise), with a discontinued ad platform
Target market
Consumer, Enterprise, and Developer
What they offer
Perplexity Answer Engine
Core conversational search product that synthesizes real-time web results into direct, cited answers using large language models.
Perplexity Pro
Paid subscription tier offering access to advanced models (GPT-4, Claude, Gemini), unlimited file uploads, image generation, and higher query limits.
Perplexity Enterprise Pro
Enterprise-grade offering with SSO, data privacy guarantees, admin controls, and integrations for business research workflows.
Perplexity API
Developer API providing access to Perplexity's online LLM capabilities, including real-time web-grounded inference, for third-party application integration.
Perplexity Pages
Feature allowing users to generate structured, shareable long-form articles and reports from Perplexity research sessions.
Comet Browser
Announced AI-native browser project designed to embed Perplexity's answer engine at the browser layer, representing a potential disruption to traditional ad delivery and tracking infrastructure.
Sponsored Questions (Discontinued)
Ad platform launched November 2024 in partnership with Criteo, Indeed, and WPP, featuring branded prompts within search results. Abandoned February 2026 due to user trust concerns.
Key features
Use cases
Customer segments
Tech & specs
Technology stack
Security & compliance
Deployment
API
Yes