In December 2022, Aravind Srinivas co-founded Perplexity AI, an AI-driven search engine valued at $1 billion. With a background in machine learning and deep learning, Srinivas’s journey to founding Perplexity was shaped by his experiences at prestigious institutions like IIT Madras and UC Berkeley, as well as key internships at OpenAI and DeepMind.
The Spark of Innovation
Born and raised in Chennai, India, Srinivas’s early fascination with algorithms led him to pursue a Ph.D. at UC Berkeley. His time at OpenAI, where he honed his skills, provided the foundation for his future endeavors. A pivotal moment during his internship in 2018 made him realize the importance of developing clearer thinking and programming skills, ultimately shaping his research in large language models (LLMs).
Building Perplexity AI
Perplexity AI’s core mission is to provide direct, concise answers rather than traditional search results with links. The company uses large language models to synthesize information and present answers with citations. Founded with the belief that search engines should prioritize user experience over ad-based revenue models, Perplexity aims to provide a more intuitive, efficient way to access knowledge.
Srinivas’s Educational and Professional Background
Aravind Srinivas earned his B.Tech and M.Tech in Electrical Engineering from IIT Madras and later pursued a Ph.D. at UC Berkeley. His research background and internships at OpenAI, DeepMind, and Google helped him develop the skills necessary to co-found Perplexity AI.
Challenges and Opportunities in Search
Traditional search engines, driven by advertisements, have not prioritized accurate, direct answers to users’ questions. Perplexity seeks to change that by providing precise information derived from multiple sources. As an alternative to current search engines, Perplexity offers users a more efficient and user-focused experience.
The Future of Search
With LLMs and AI advancements, Perplexity is poised to challenge traditional search engine models. By focusing on delivering accurate, sourced information, the company hopes to shift the focus from ad-driven content to quality, relevance, and clarity. This vision is set to redefine how we consume information on the web.
Aravind Srinivas’s innovative approach to search engines through Perplexity AI promises to reshape the way we access and interact with knowledge online. His commitment to improving the user experience and advancing AI-driven search technology sets the stage for a new era of search engines.
