Exclusive: Meta’s Failed Perplexity AI Takeover Talks Preceded Scale AI Investment

Meta's AI shopping spree hits a snag—while their checkbook stays open.

Behind closed doors, Zuckerberg's empire courted Perplexity AI before abruptly pivoting to Scale AI. The twist? Both moves scream desperation in the trillion-dollar AI arms race.

Wall Street's take? Another 'strategic pivot' from a tech giant playing catch-up. Because nothing says innovation like throwing cash at the problem.

Meta also tried to hire Perplexity CEO

According to Bloomberg, Meta also sought to recruit Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas for its superintelligence team. Those talks occurred before Meta finalized its deal with Scale AI.

Perplexity, founded in 2022, has quickly become known for using generative AI to change how people search the web. Its tool summarizes results, cites sources, and helps users refine queries for clearer answers. The company is now working on an AI-powered web browser to challenge services from Google and others.

Zuckerberg’s push has already drawn key figures to Meta. Alongside Wang, the company has hired leading researchers formerly at Google DeepMind and the startup Sesame AI. Yet not every approach has paid off. Some top experts have declined, including OpenAI staffers, despite the hefty proposals.

The company has also discussed providing computing infrastructure to SAFE Superintelligence, offering use of its data centers for the lab’s work.

Cryptopolitan Academy: Coming Soon - A New Way to Earn Passive Income with DeFi in 2025. Learn More