Perplexity AI Gains Traction by Understanding Business Needs

Perplexity AI is gaining momentum in the generative AI space, securing major deals with firms like Samsung and PayPal. While its recognition trails behind giants like OpenAI, its strategic use of multiple language models and focus on transparency endear it to enterprise clients. Many enterprises prefer its agile, transparent approach over other AI solutions, which could ensure Perplexity’s sustainability in a competitive market.

In a rapidly crowded field of generative artificial intelligence, Perplexity AI is making significant strides. Once merely a startup on the fringes of tech giants like OpenAI or Google, it’s now inking major deals with companies such as Samsung, PayPal, and SoftBank, and rumored talks are even underway with Apple. Its strategic partnerships signal a strong push into both enterprise and consumer markets.

According to PYMNTS Intelligence, there’s been a notable surge in investment in AI technologies recently, especially among CFOs, with a staggering 90% reporting very positive ROI by late 2024 – that’s triple the percentage from just nine months prior. Instead of fully replacing human workers, businesses are leveraging GenAI to boost productivity.

Despite its low profile compared to more established names like OpenAI’s Sam Altman, Perplexity is carving out a niche with its unique approach. The company’s CEO, Aravind Srinivas, may not have been invited to the high-profile AI gatherings at the White House during both the Biden and Trump administrations, but that hasn’t held back their growth.

So, what’s making Perplexity so appealing to larger enterprises? Dev Nag, founder and CEO of QueryPal, offers some insight: “Perplexity has shown that being a model ‘polyglot’ can create more strategic advantages than owning the best single model.” Their chatbot isn’t bound to just one large language model. Instead, Perplexity can draw from a variety of models including ChatGPT and its own Sonar, tailoring its responses to meet user needs.

This versatility means it’s a user-centered solution. As Nag elaborated, “While everyone fixates on who builds the smartest AI, Perplexity discovered that aggregating multiple LLMs… delivers better economics and resilience.” They can redirect queries based on model performance—especially useful when competitors face outages or price hikes.

This operational flexibility, combined with a focus on transparency, sets Perplexity apart. As Nag notes, “Citations and transparency actually matter more to institutional buyers than raw but untraceable intelligence.” The company understands the intricate dynamics of the business sector, catering to B2B needs that often differ from consumer preferences.

Darren Kimura, the president of AI Squared, commented that Perplexity and ChatGPT showcase diverging trajectories in the AI arena. “Perplexity positions itself as a real-time answer engine to provide concise, cited responses,” whereas ChatGPT excels in long-form reasoning and creative tasks. This sometimes leads to Perplexity appealing more to researchers and executives seeking reliable information.

That said, Perplexity’s user base pales compared to OpenAI’s. With around 125 million visits in April 2025 compared to ChatGPT’s staggering 4.5 billion, it’s clear that the numbers tell a story of scale. But sheer size isn’t everything. Perplexity aims to offer itself as a viable research-focused alternative designed for transparency and agility.

By focusing on the art of fact-checking and delivering actionable insights, Nag believes that a sustainable business can be forged through high-value queries, without needing to overpower the giants of the industry.

As it continues to expand and explore, including potential browser launches to rival Google, Perplexity is certainly one to watch in the evolving landscape of AI. The swift adaptability and understanding of market demands might just give it the edge in a future that promises boundless innovation.

In summary, Perplexity AI is making waves in the generative AI field with strategic partnerships and a unique approach to addressing enterprise needs. By emphasizing a blend of multiple LLMs for versatility, transparent citations, and a focus on B2B requirements, Perplexity positions itself as a serious player amid tech giants. Though not the largest player in terms of web traffic, its targeted strategy and understanding of market demands could allow it to thrive in the competitive landscape of artificial intelligence.

Original Source: www.pymnts.com