News Summary

Perplexity AI, known for its AI-powered search engine, has announced the launch of a $50 million seed and pre-seed venture fund. This fund aims to support early-stage startups focusing on artificial intelligence within the United States. The majority of the capital for the fund is sourced from limited partners, with Perplexity AI acting as an anchor investor. This initiative is managed by Kelly Graziadei and Joanna Lee Shevelenko, who co-founded F7 Ventures, a firm with notable investments in startups such as the women’s health company Midi. As of December, Perplexity AI raised $500 million at a $9 billion valuation.