Perplexity Sticks to 2028 IPO Timeline Despite AI Rivals Entering Market

Perplexity AI has reaffirmed its plans to pursue an initial public offering in 2028, maintaining a steady course even as rivals OpenAI and Anthropic move closer to Wall Street debuts.

Speaking to CNBC, Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas said the company’s IPO strategy remains independent of the decisions taken by competing artificial intelligence firms. “Agnostic of these two companies, we were planning for something in 2028, so that still remains the case,” Srinivas said.

The comments come at a pivotal moment for the AI industry, which is seeing growing investor excitement around generative AI companies and their commercial potential. Earlier on Monday, OpenAI confidentially filed paperwork for a US IPO, marking a significant milestone for the ChatGPT maker. Anthropic, another leading AI startup backed by major technology investors, also submitted IPO filings last week.

At the same time, Elon Musk’s SpaceX is preparing for a public market debut expected later this week. Srinivas suggested that the performance of these offerings could shape broader investor sentiment toward artificial intelligence companies entering public markets.

“I certainly think there will be ripple effects if they don't go well, like there is no sugar coating on that. The SpaceX IPO this week will definitely be a leading indicator of how Anthropic or OpenAI will go out,” Srinivas told CNBC.

Despite the potential market influence of these high-profile listings, Srinivas expressed confidence in the long-term outlook for the AI sector and the companies leading it.

“I think it's important for the AI industry that these IPOs go well, and I actually think they will go well, because they're doing well,” Srinivas added.

Perplexity, known for its AI-powered search and answer engine, has positioned itself as one of the rising players in the rapidly expanding artificial intelligence ecosystem. The company has focused on scaling its user base and strengthening its revenue model while avoiding pressure to enter public markets prematurely.

Reinforcing the company’s measured approach, Perplexity Chief Business Officer Dmitry Shevelenko said the startup has intentionally maintained a long-term roadmap toward its eventual public offering.

“By consistently holding 2028 as our earliest date for an IPO, Perplexity has been able to build a healthy, high-growth business,” Shevelenko told Reuters in an emailed statement.

This is not the first time Perplexity leadership has addressed speculation surrounding its financial health and IPO plans. In 2025, Srinivas publicly dismissed concerns that the company was running short on funds and clarified that there were no intentions to go public before 2028.

As investor attention increasingly shifts toward AI companies, the success or failure of upcoming IPOs from major industry names could significantly influence how future tech listings are valued. However, Perplexity appears determined to remain patient, prioritizing sustainable growth over short-term market momentum.