At just 31 years old, Aravind Srinivas, Co-founder and CEO of Perplexity AI, has made his debut on the M3M Hurun India Rich List 2025 with a reported net worth of ₹21,190 crore, earning the title of India’s youngest billionaire. His achievement underscores the growing global influence of Indian entrepreneurs driving innovation in artificial intelligence.
Academic & Professional Journey
An alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras and the University of California, Berkeley, Srinivas began his career in research and AI development at some of the world’s leading technology firms — OpenAI, Google, and Google DeepMind. His exposure to large-scale machine learning and generative AI research laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial journey.
In 2022, he co-founded Perplexity AI, an AI-powered answer engine that redefines online information discovery by combining natural language understanding with precise, source-linked responses.
Building Perplexity AI
Under Srinivas’s leadership, Perplexity AI has rapidly evolved into one of the most promising startups in the generative AI space. The company has attracted high-profile investors, including Jeff Bezos, and has reportedly drawn interest from Apple and Meta for potential strategic collaborations.
Perplexity’s user-friendly, conversational model has resonated strongly with global audiences, particularly in India, which now represents its largest user base.
India’s AI Leadership Moment
Beyond personal achievement, Srinivas’s recognition symbolizes India’s growing prominence in deep tech innovation and AI entrepreneurship. His success highlights how Indian technologists are shaping the global narrative in next-generation computing and digital intelligence.
To further nurture this ecosystem, Srinivas has announced plans to launch a Perplexity investment fund aimed at supporting emerging AI-first startups in India. The fund will focus on advancing homegrown innovations in AI, data infrastructure, and intelligent automation — sectors poised for exponential growth.
Broader Implications
Aravind Srinivas’s rise reflects the shift from India being a service-driven IT hub to a product-led innovation powerhouse. His trajectory — from academic excellence to global leadership in AI — mirrors the aspirations of a new generation of technologists redefining India’s role in the world’s tech economy.
As Perplexity continues to expand, Srinivas’s journey serves as a beacon for young entrepreneurs and researchers driving India’s contribution to the global AI frontier.
