Perplexity, the developer of an AI-powered search engine, is making a significant foray into the venture capital space with the launch of a $50 million seed and pre-seed investment fund. According to a report by CNBC, the fund has secured capital from limited partners, with Perplexity itself contributing some of the funds it raised for its own growth.

The move comes on the heels of Perplexity's successful fundraising efforts, which saw the company raise $500 million at a valuation of $9 billion in December. This significant war chest will now be leveraged to invest in AI startups, with general partners Kelly Graziadei and Joanna Lee Shevelenko at the helm. Both Graziadei and Shevelenko have a strong track record in the venture capital space, having co-founded F7 Ventures, an early-stage venture firm, in 2018.

F7 Ventures has invested in several startups, including women's health company Midi. While it is unclear whether Graziadei and Shevelenko will continue to run F7 Ventures or focus solely on Perplexity's venture fund, the move marks a significant expansion of Perplexity's reach into the AI startup ecosystem.

The launch of Perplexity's fund is notable not only for its size but also for its approach. Unlike OpenAI, which manages an investment fund known as the OpenAI Startup Fund, Perplexity is using some of its own capital to anchor the fund. This move suggests that Perplexity is committed to investing in AI startups and is willing to put its own resources behind this effort.

The implications of Perplexity's fund are significant, as it will provide a new source of capital for AI startups. This could lead to a surge in innovation in the AI space, as startups will have access to funding and resources that can help them accelerate their growth. Additionally, Perplexity's involvement in the venture capital space could lead to new partnerships and collaborations between the company and AI startups, further solidifying its position in the AI ecosystem.

As the AI landscape continues to evolve, Perplexity's move into venture capital is a significant development that will be closely watched by industry observers. With its significant resources and expertise in AI, Perplexity is well-positioned to make a meaningful impact in the startup ecosystem. As the company begins to deploy its fund, it will be interesting to see which AI startups it chooses to invest in and how these investments shape the future of the industry.