AI startup Perplexity raised $100 million, boosting its valuation to $18 billion, up from $14 billion in May and $500 million in early 2024, per FT. The Google Search rival saw revenue run-rate surge to $150 million. Investors include Nvidia, SoftBank, and NEA. The AI talent race intensifies, with Meta and Google spending billions to stay ahead in the generative AI boom.