Perplexity AI: The Next Big Bet in Generative AI
In 2024, artificial intelligence isn’t just trending—it’s transforming capital markets. With Perplexity AI eyeing a massive $1.5 billion round at an $18 billion valuation, the message is clear: strategic venture capital advising is now essential for founders navigating the AI boom.
What VCs Are Looking for in AI Startups Today
As reported by Tech Funding News, Perplexity is in talks with investors to secure a massive new funding round that would position it as one of the leading contenders in the AI search space. This surge in capital interest highlights the growing importance of strategic venture capital advising in scaling AI ventures effectively. This comes amid growing interest in AI-native alternatives to legacy search engines. The company is reportedly working with SoftBank and venture firm IVP, both of whom have previously backed some of the most successful startups in tech.
Venture Capital Advising for AI Founders
This level of investment signals a critical shift: investors aren’t just chasing hype, they’re doubling down on models with monetization potential, enterprise applications, and proprietary infrastructure.
Clear Revenue Models – With market saturation increasing, investors are favoring startups that have proven paths to monetization.
Scalable Infrastructure – Startups that build and own their backend infrastructure (rather than relying solely on third parties) are being viewed more favorably.
Technical Differentiation – Proprietary algorithms, novel approaches to AI search, and deep tech teams are standing out.
Enterprise and B2B Utility – Investors are prioritizing companies that can scale beyond consumer use cases into SaaS or enterprise markets.
Raising capital in the current AI boom requires founders to sharpen their fundraising approach. Here are a few strategic tips:
Focus on Value Creation, Not Just Hype – Highlight product-market fit, existing customer traction, and long-term revenue potential.
Build the Right Investor Pipeline – Identify firms with experience in deep tech or infrastructure-focused startups.
Showcase Technical Moats – Clearly communicate what sets your AI apart: team, IP, data advantage, or engineering architecture.
Emphasize GTM Strategy – Investors want to see how you plan to bring your AI solution to market and scale sustainably.
How Fidelman & Co. Supports AI Startups
At Fidelman & Co., we help high-growth AI startups prepare for large-scale fundraising rounds through our Fundraise as a Service (FaaS) model. As leaders in venture capital advising, we deliver more than just pitch materials—we offer strategic execution, customized investor targeting, and ongoing advisory support.
Our services include:
- Professionally designed pitch decks and financial models
- Expert-led valuation analysis and capital structure guidance
- Real-time data from a proprietary CRM integrated with PitchBook, Preqin, ZoomInfo, and more
- Weekly reporting, investor engagement tracking, and curated investor lists
With $125,000+ in annual data subscriptions and decades of combined advisory experience, Fidelman & Co. ensures AI founders are positioned for optimal investor conversations and deal success. We craft investor-ready pitch decks, financial models, and valuation analyses, ensuring founders are equipped to navigate even the most competitive capital markets.
Whether you’re building in search, infrastructure, or LLMs, our team works as your dedicated IR partner—getting you in front of the right funds and helping you close deals faster. Get expert venture capital advising for your AI startup with Fidelman & Co.
Looking Ahead: The AI Funding Landscape
With Perplexity’s raise on the horizon, one thing is clear: the appetite for AI investment is far from cooling off. But success in this market requires more than a bold idea—it demands strategic positioning, tight execution, and investor alignment.
Fidelman & Co. is here to help AI founders execute with precision and raise capital FaaS-ter.
Ready to raise capital with precision, speed, and investor alignment? Contact Fidelman & Co. help you close your next round with confidence.