Perplexity AI has confirmed it will launch an IPO in 2028, regardless of how the market reacts to rival AI companies Anthropic and OpenAI going public. CEO Aravind Srinivas told CNBC the 2028 timeline was planned independently and remains unchanged. “Agnostic of these two companies, we were planning for something in 2028, so that still remains the case,” Srinivas said in the interview. This signals a firmer commitment than his earlier 2025 statement that Perplexity wouldn’t go public before 2028.
The AI search startup, which helps users find and verify information online, has seen massive growth. Perplexity generated $200 million in revenue in 2025 and aims for $650 million in 2026, with 45 million active users. The company’s valuation surged from $9 billion in November 2024 to $14 billion after a $500 million funding round led by Accel in May 2025.
Perplexity has raised $915 million in total funding so far. Chief Business Officer Dmitry Shevelenko said the company built a “healthy, high-growth business” by consistently holding 2028 as its earliest IPO date.
Anthropic confidentially filed for a US IPO last week, and OpenAI filed earlier on Monday. Srinivas noted SpaceX’s IPO this week will be a key indicator of how investors will react to Anthropic and OpenAI listings, but Perplexity’s timeline won’t change based on those outcomes.
The firm plans to use the IPO to fund further AI development and expand its research capabilities while maintaining its position as a leading AI search platform.
FAQs [Frequently Asked Questions]
Q1: Why is Perplexity targeting 2028 for its IPO?
Perplexity planned the 2028 IPO independently of Anthropic and OpenAI, believing the timeline allows it to build a healthy, high-growth business before going public.
Q2: How much revenue does Perplexity generate?
Perplexity earned $200 million in 2025 and aims for $650 million in 2026, serving 45 million active users globally.
Q3: What is Perplexity’s current valuation?
Perplexity’s valuation jumped to $14 billion after a $500 million funding round in May 2025, up from $9 billion in November 2024.