Perplexity's Race to Build Agentic Search

Explore the entrepreneurial journey behind one of today's most innovative AI-powered search platforms in this 43-minute conference talk from Y Combinator's AI Startup School. Learn how Perplexity's founder transformed a simple natural-language-to-SQL search tool into a product serving millions of users worldwide, challenging traditional search paradigms. Discover the strategic decisions behind building an AI-powered browser, the evolution from chatbots to intelligent agents, and how a startup maintains competitive advantage against tech giants through speed, accuracy, and focused execution. Gain insights into co-founder dynamics, early technical challenges, product development strategies, and the critical importance of user experience in AI applications. Understand the business model considerations, revenue streams, and network effects that drive growth in the AI search space. Examine the role of AI tools in software engineering, implementation challenges, and the benefits of adopting cutting-edge development practices. Access practical advice for founders navigating competitive markets, building brand value, and scaling AI-powered products while competing against established players with vast resources.