How Aravind Srinivas built Perplexity AI is more than just another tech startup story. It’s the rise of an Indian innovator reshaping the very nature of search, blending intelligence, ambition, and a relentless pursuit of trustworthy answers.
Raised in Chennai, Aravind Srinivas demonstrated an early passion for math and technology. He graduated from IIT Madras and later pursued a Ph.D. in computer science at UC Berkeley, specializing in artificial intelligence and natural language processing. These two world-class institutions shaped his analytical depth—a foundation for his groundbreaking work.
The Moment of Insight: Why Aravind Srinivas Built Perplexity AI
During his stints as a researcher at OpenAI and an intern at DeepMind, Aravind realized that while the internet had answers, it rarely had clarity. Users wanted direct, reliable responses—not just lists of links. The idea: an AI-powered search platform that would understand, cite, and converse.
In 2022, Aravind Srinivas co-founded Perplexity AI, joining forces with Denis Yarats, Johnny Ho, and Andy Konwinski. Their mission was simple yet ambitious—to create the world’s smartest search engine, powered by state-of-the-art AI, delivering cited answers with conversation-like ease.
What Makes Perplexity AI Different?
Key Features:
- Built on GPT-4, with live web access for real-time answers.
- Each response includes cited sources for transparency.
- Handles documents, images, and provides accurate summaries.
- Offers smart follow-up suggestions, making research dynamic.
Aravind’s vision: A search engine that merges the factual depth of Google with the intelligence and reasoning of modern AI chatbots.
The Indian Edge: Why Aravind Srinivas’s Roots Matter
It takes vision to build a company now valued at over $1 billion—and even more to inspire a generation. Indian entrepreneurship is surging, and Perplexity AI’s ascent showcases local talent making a mark on the global AI stage.
Aravind’s journey is closely watched by leading tech media like Forbes and TechCrunch, with India being hailed as a key growth market and “secret weapon” in Perplexity’s rapid rise.
Growth, Partnerships, and the Airtel Revolution
2025 marked a breakout moment when Airtel India offered free Perplexity AI Pro subscriptions to all its users. Usage surged overnight, making Perplexity a household name in the country and cementing its position as the go-to AI-powered search companion.
For readers wanting to maximize Perplexity in India, check our internal resource:
Who is Aravind Srinivas?
An IIT Madras alumnus and UC Berkeley Ph.D., Aravind co-founded Perplexity AI, leveraging his experience at world-leading AI labs.
Is Perplexity AI made by an Indian?
Yes—Aravind Srinivas is Perplexity AI’s co-founder and CEO, leading the company on a global scale.
Why is Perplexity AI better than Google?
Perplexity delivers reliable, AI-generated answers with source citations, streamlining research in ways traditional search engines don’t.
Is Perplexity AI available in India?
Absolutely—especially with Airtel’s recent partnership providing Pro access at no extra cost.
Final Thoughts: The Legacy Begins
How Aravind Srinivas built Perplexity AI isn’t just a tech-story headline—it’s a roadmap for aspiring Indian innovators. It illustrates the fusion of world-class education, audacious goals, and the courage to question the status quo.
With every cited answer, Perplexity demonstrates that the global future of AI can—and does—have Indian roots. If you’re searching for inspiration, look no further than Aravind Srinivas’s journey—a model for anyone dreaming of creating impact at a global scale.
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