Perplexity Launches AI to Automate Workflows
AI startup Perplexity has launched "Perplexity Computer," a multi-model system that can autonomously create and execute complex business workflows. The platform integrates different AI models to handle multi-step processes, marking a significant step towards more sophisticated and autonomous enterprise AI.
Perplexity Computer functions as an orchestration layer, coordinating 19 specialized AI models to act as a single "digital worker." It uses specific models for distinct tasks: Opus 4.6 for central reasoning, Gemini for deep research, Grok for quick jobs, and Nano Banana for image generation. The system is designed to execute workflows that can run for hours or even months without user intervention. It operates within a secure cloud environment with its own file system and browser access, allowing it to build applications, manage integrations with tools like Slack and Gmail, and perform continuous monitoring. The company was founded in August 2022 by CEO Aravind Srinivas, Denis Yarats, Johnny Ho, and Andy Konwinski, a team with experience from Google Brain, OpenAI, and DeepMind. Srinivas, an IIT Madras and UC Berkeley graduate, became India's youngest billionaire in October 2025 based on his stake in the company. Perplexity AI has attracted significant investment from backers including Jeff Bezos, Nvidia, and Databricks. The company has raised a total of $1.22 billion, reaching a valuation of $20 billion by September 2025. Unlike traditional search engines, Perplexity positions itself as an "answer engine" and is pursuing a subscription and enterprise-focused business model rather than relying on advertising. This strategy aims to avoid the ad-driven incentive of maximizing clicks that is common with incumbent search giants. Perplexity Computer will initially be available to Perplexity's "Max" subscribers at a cost of $167 per month. The platform's capabilities extend beyond conversational answers to include creating documents, performing data analysis, and calling APIs.
