Perplexity Acquires Professional Networking Platform Read.cv
Read.cv, a professional networking platform launched in 2021 as a sleek alternative to LinkedIn, has been acquired by AI-powered search engine Perplexity. The deal marks a significant pivot for Read.cv, which will wind down its operations while integrating its team into Perplexity.
Read.cv Shutting Down Operations
Read.cv announced that it would cease operations starting Friday, allowing users to export their profiles, posts, and messages until May 16. The platform, founded by Andy Chung, a former product designer at Facebook and Mozilla, carved a niche in the professional networking space with features like resumes, industry chats, job postings, and team profiles. It even allowed users to create personal websites with ".cv" domains, a service that will now migrate to Hello.cv.
In a farewell blog post, Read.cv expressed admiration for Perplexity, stating:
"Great things happen when the world’s knowledge is made more open and accessible. We are thrilled to join Perplexity’s design and engineering team to continue our shared mission of exploration and discovery."
Perplexity’s Third Acquisition
Perplexity, valued at $9 billion and backed by over $500 million in funding, confirmed the acquisition but did not disclose financial details. CEO Aravind Srinivas praised the Read.cv team’s expertise in designing consumer and social experiences, suggesting this move aligns with Perplexity’s expansion into corporate-focused tools and functionality.
This acquisition is Perplexity’s third major move, following its purchase of Carbon, which connects AI systems to external data sources, and Spellwise, which contributed to Perplexity’s mobile app development.
Strategic Implications
Perplexity has been investing heavily in enterprise solutions, launching plans with features like single sign-on and user management. The addition of Read.cv’s team could enhance Perplexity’s ability to create user-friendly, socially integrated platforms that appeal to professionals and corporations alike.
The acquisition also reflects the pressure on Perplexity from its investors, including Institutional Venture Partners, to generate returns as it grows its footprint in the competitive AI space.
What’s Next?
The future of Read.cv’s West Berkeley-based team, which includes just three employees, will now depend on their contributions to Perplexity. For Read.cv users, the platform’s shutdown signifies the end of its independent journey but highlights the continued evolution of professional networking in an AI-driven era.
As Perplexity integrates Read.cv’s expertise, the acquisition could signal exciting new features for users, further blending AI and social innovation to redefine how professionals connect and collaborate.
