Overview

• Perplexity AI's shopping features, launched in November 2024, have driven a fivefold increase in shopping-related queries.
• The platform allows users to discover and purchase products directly within its AI-powered search engine without redirecting to external sites.
• A partnership with Seattle-based Firmly.ai simplifies retailer integration, enabling merchants to retain control over customer data and transactions.
• Over 150 merchants have expressed interest in selling through Perplexity's platform, which does not take a cut of sales.
• CEO Aravind Srinivas positions the company's native transaction model as a direct competitor to Google's AdWords, focusing on transparency and user trust.