Perplexity, the fast-growing AI startup known for its conversational search engine, has reported a sharp surge in revenue as it shifts focus from traditional search tools to autonomous AI agents.
The company said revenue has risen by around 50% in recent months, driven largely by demand for its new agent-based services. These systems go beyond answering queries, allowing users to complete tasks such as research, summarization, and workflow automation directly through the platform.
Executives said the pivot reflects a broader industry transition away from search as a standalone function toward AI systems that can act on behalf of users. Instead of simply delivering links or summaries, Perplexity’s agents are designed to handle multi-step tasks, integrating data retrieval with execution.
The company has been investing heavily in product development and infrastructure to support the shift. Its latest offerings include enterprise-focused tools aimed at businesses seeking to automate knowledge work, as well as consumer features that allow more interactive and personalized assistance.
Analysts say the move positions Perplexity in a rapidly evolving market where companies are racing to build “agentic” AI systems capable of replacing parts of traditional software workflows. However, the transition also brings new challenges, including higher computing costs and increased scrutiny around accuracy and reliability.
Despite these risks, Perplexity’s strong revenue growth suggests rising adoption of AI agents as both consumers and businesses look for tools that do more than just search.
