Startup Perplexity AI hits $18 billion valuation after $100 million funding round

Perplexity AI has secured fresh funding in a deal that values the artificial intelligence startup at $18 billion, according to a report by Bloomberg.

The company raised $100 million in this latest investment, which builds on a previous round from a few months ago that valued Perplexity at $14 billion.

The growing adoption of chatbots and the rise of AI agents have increased investor enthusiasm in such startups.

Back in May, The Wall Street Journal reported that Perplexity was in advanced discussions to raise $500 million at a $14 billion valuation, with…