India’s technology sector has often been defined by its service exports — from code to consulting. But now, a homegrown product has taken center stage.
Perplexity, the AI-powered search and productivity app founded by Aravind Srinivas, has achieved what once seemed improbable — it has become the #1 app on both the Play Store and App Store, outpacing global titans like ChatGPT and Gemini.
The Perfect Product-Market Fit
Perplexity’s success is no accident. Built with precision, the app merges the functionality of search, chat, and productivity — offering a seamless experience for India’s fast-evolving digital generation.
Its simple interface, rapid response time, and contextual intelligence have made it a favorite among students, creators, and professionals alike. The recent collaboration with Airtel, offering Perplexity PRO to millions of users for free, was a strategic masterstroke — expanding its reach deep into India’s telecom-driven user base.
India’s Turn in the Global AI Race
For decades, India built tech for the world. Now, it’s building AI for itself — and the world is watching. Perplexity’s rise reflects not just business success, but the beginning of India’s era of digital ownership.
The milestone proves one thing — Indian founders are no longer following global playbooks; they’re writing their own.
