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Perplexity AI searches for users in Japan, via SoftBank | TechCrunch

Jun 17, 2024 - techcrunch.com
AI search engine Perplexity is expanding its user base in Japan through a strategic partnership with SoftBank. The deal will see SoftBank and its mobile operations, Y!mobile and LINEMO, offer free one-year subscriptions to Perplexity’s premium tier, Perplexity Pro, starting June 19. This move is part of Perplexity's international expansion strategy and its focus on generating revenue from its paid tier. The partnership also allows SoftBank to leverage AI services without the need to build their own in-house AI models and services.

Perplexity, valued at $1 billion, is also reportedly raising another capital of at least $250 million at a valuation of between $2.5 billion and $3 billion. The San Francisco-based startup provides answers based on the latest web searches and has been criticized over work credit in answers. Perplexity Pro, a subscription-based service, offers users access to the advanced version of Perplexity, including the ability to select from the latest large language models (LLMs) for more comprehensive information searches and data processing capabilities. The iOS version of the app is priced at 3,000 yen per month and 30,000 yen per year, while the web version is $20 per month and $200 per year.

Key takeaways:

  • Perplexity, an AI search engine, is expanding its user base in Japan through a strategic partnership with SoftBank, offering free one-year subscriptions to its premium tier, Perplexity Pro, through SoftBank's mobile operations.
  • Perplexity also has a partnership with Germany's Deutsche Telekom, and is currently raising another capital of at least $250 million at a valuation of between $2.5 billion and $3 billion.
  • Perplexity Pro offers advanced features such as the option to select from the latest large language models (LLMs) for more comprehensive information searches, generating high-quality images based on search histories, and an AI profile feature that customizes search results.
  • The company has faced criticism from publishers over crediting work in its answers and is currently working on revenue sharing deals.
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