AI Startup Perplexity Nears Funding at $14 Billion Value (1)

Perplexity AI Inc., a startup building an artificial intelligence search engine to compete with Google,is in advanced discussions to raise a new round of funding at a $14 billion valuation — a jump from its most recent value but lower than it was initially targeting.

Accel is in talks to lead a $500 million investment in the startup, according to people familiar with the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private deliberations. Bloomberg News previously reported Perplexity was looking to raise as much as $1 billion at a valuation of $18 billion, including the amount ...