随着人工智能（AI）领域的竞争加剧和运营成本的攀升，一些备受瞩目的AI初创公司正面临着严峻的商业挑战。据《The Information》报道，被誉为“谷歌杀手”的Perplexity等多家公司在过去一年中积极探索合并或出售的可能性。Perplexity的管理层至少与四家潜在的合作伙伴进行了深度讨论，试图通过合并来应对高昂的AI开发成本，以及来自行业巨头谷歌的激烈竞争压力。
然而，尽管进行了多次谈判，但至今未有任何实质性交易达成。消息人士透露，Perplexity在去年年底暂停了合并谈判，这可能是由于市场环境、估值预期或业务战略调整等因素的影响。在此背景下，Perplexity选择在B轮融资中筹集了7360万美元，公司估值达到5.2亿美元，显示了其在艰难市场环境下维持独立运营的决心。
无独有偶，另一家AI初创公司Writer也在近几个月内接触了至少三家潜在买家，尽管目前尚不清楚这些接洽是否已导致具体交易。此外，个性化搜索引擎Neeva已经选择了被数据库软件提供商Snowflake收购，这标志着AI初创公司在寻求可持续发展路径时的多样化策略。
这些情况表明，AI领域的创业公司正面临着资金消耗与市场竞争的双重压力，寻求通过合作或整合来增强自身的竞争力和生存能力。随着行业的不断发展，这样的动态将对AI市场的格局产生深远影响。
英语如下：
**News Title:** “AI Star Companies Seek出路 Amid High Costs: Perplexity Among Those Exploring Mergers or Acquisitions”
**Keywords:** AI companies for sale, Perplexity, Google competition
**News Content:**
Title: AI Startup darlings confront challenges, with Perplexity among those eyeing mergers or sale strategies
As competition in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector intensifies and operational costs rise, several high-profile AI startups are grappling with significant business hurdles. According to a report by _The Information_, companies like Perplexity, hailed as a “Google killer,” have actively explored merger or sale options over the past year. Perplexity’s management has held in-depth discussions with at least four potential partners to tackle the high costs of AI development and the fierce rivalry from industry giant Google.
However, despite multiple negotiations, no concrete deals have materialized so far. Sources透露 that Perplexity suspended merger talks late last year, possibly due to market conditions, valuation expectations, or adjustments in business strategy. Against this backdrop, Perplexity raised $73.6 million in its B round, valuing the company at $520 million, demonstrating its resolve to remain independent in challenging market conditions.
Similarly, another AI startup, Writer, has reached out to at least three potential buyers in recent months, although it is unclear whether these discussions have led to any transactions. Additionally, personalized search engine Neeva has opted to be acquired by database software provider Snowflake, signifying the diverse strategies AI startups are adopting to secure sustainable growth.
These developments indicate that AI startups are under pressure from both capital depletion and market competition, seeking collaborations or consolidations to bolster their competitiveness and survival. As the industry evolves, such dynamics will have a profound impact on the AI market landscape.
【来源】https://wallstreetcn.com/articles/3707716
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