Perplexity Expands Its Horizon with Acquisition of Sequoia-Backed AI Design Startup Visual Electric Team
Sequoia-backed AI design startup Visual Electric recently announced a significant transition, joining forces with the innovative search startup Perplexity. This merger is set to create an exciting synergy within the Agent Experiences group at Perplexity, promising fresh avenues for enhancing consumer product offerings.
A New Chapter for Visual Electric
Perplexity’s CEO, Aravind Srinivas, confirmed this acquisition through a lively post on X, sharing his enthusiasm for the talented team from Visual Electric. With notable leaders like Colin Dunn and Adam Menges at the helm, the vision is to develop exciting new consumer experiences that will soon benefit all users of Perplexity and the associated Comet products.
What This Means for Visual Electric Users
Although the terms of the deal remain under wraps, there’s a wave of change on the horizon. Visual Electric will cease operations as a standalone product within 90 days, providing users with the opportunity to export their data. Moreover, current subscribers can expect prorated refunds, easing the transition.
The Story Behind Visual Electric
Founded in 2022, Visual Electric was the brainchild of a trio of tech innovators, each bringing experience from industry giants such as Facebook, Dropbox, and Apple. The platform was designed specifically for designers, allowing them to create images through AI and make edits on an infinite canvas.
Originally envisioned as a tool to facilitate brainstorming and ideation, Visual Electric continually evolved to include features for video generation, enhancing its appeal within the creative community. The startup had successfully raised $2.5 million from reputable investors, including Sequoia, BoxGroup, and Designer Fund, underscoring its potential in the competitive AI design landscape.
Looking Ahead
As Visual Electric merges with Perplexity, both teams aim to innovate and enhance the technological landscape. Users can look forward to new, enriched product experiences that promise to reshape their creative workflows.
In this ever-evolving tech ecosystem, change is inevitable. If you’re excited about this new direction and what it might mean for your design journey, staying tuned to updates from Perplexity will keep you at the forefront of innovation. Embrace the future of design with open arms, and let’s see what this collaboration will bring!
