Location: Chennai / San Francisco | Date: 01 October 2025 | Read Time: 4 Minutes
Summary:
Aravind Srinivas, co-founder and CEO of Perplexity AI, has entered the billionaire club, becoming India’s youngest billionaire. With Perplexity’s rapid global adoption as an AI-powered search alternative, Srinivas’ journey from Chennai to Silicon Valley has become a symbol of India’s growing presence in the AI revolution.
How Did a Chennai-Born Entrepreneur Reach Billionaire Status?
Aravind Srinivas, once a student at IIT Madras before pursuing his PhD at UC Berkeley, co-founded Perplexity AI in 2022 with a vision to redefine internet search. Unlike Google’s ad-driven model, Perplexity focuses on direct, AI-powered answers with citations, making it a trusted source for millions of daily users.
Read In Hindi -‘चेन्नई बॉय’ अरविंद श्रीनिवास बने भारत के सबसे युवा अरबपति, Perplexity AI की वैश्विक सफलता से मिली बड़ी छलांग
Summary:
UIDAI is preparing to launch a revamped Aadhaar app in late 2025, with AI, Face ID login, and QR code verification baked in. Many Aadhaar updates will be possible online, but certain sensitive changes like mobile number linking will still require an in-person visit to a Seva Kendra.
New Aadhaar App 2025: AI Login, Face ID & QR Verification — What You Can Update at Home and What Still Needs Seva Kendra
With investors such as Jeff Bezos and Nvidia backing the company, Perplexity’s valuation skyrocketed in 2025, pushing Srinivas’ net worth past the billion-dollar mark at just 30 years of age.
Why Perplexity AI Is Surging Globally
Perplexity AI has been positioned as a “Google alternative” for the AI era. Its clean interface, citation-first answers, and real-time web-linked responses have attracted students, researchers, and professionals worldwide. In India, the app’s usage has grown sharply, with metros like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi emerging as major user bases.
Summary:
IIT Delhi has launched a unique AI programme that does not require JEE qualification. The course opens a new pathway for students and professionals keen to upskill in artificial intelligence.
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Industry analysts say Perplexity’s rise is not just about tech it represents a shift in how people consume knowledge, moving from ads and cluttered search results to direct, reliable insights.
Aravind Srinivas: From Chennai Dreams to Silicon Valley Reality
Srinivas’ story is inspiring many young Indians. Having grown up in Chennai, he pursued higher education in the US and worked at OpenAI and DeepMind before launching Perplexity.
Summary:
Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google, has raised a red flag about the US losing its lead in artificial intelligence. He warns that China could quietly surpass the US in AI development if America does not accelerate innovation and regulations.
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His disciplined focus on building a global product rooted in transparency and knowledge-sharing has won admiration across the AI ecosystem.
What This Means for India’s AI Future
India now sees in Srinivas an example of global AI leadership. His rise highlights how Indian talent is shaping the future of technology, not just in coding and outsourcing, but in building world-class AI-first companies. For young entrepreneurs, Srinivas’ journey is proof that ideas born in India can influence the world.
