Perplexity, an AI-powered search engine, has acquired Read.cv, a professional networking platform that once rivaled LinkedIn, as reported by TechCrunch. The acquisition, announced on January 17, 2025, marks Perplexity's third major purchase and will see Read.cv cease operations as its team integrates into Perplexity's mission to enhance AI-driven professional tools.
Perplexity's acquisition of Read.cv marks a significant expansion in the AI-driven professional tools space. This strategic move brings together Perplexity's AI capabilities with Read.cv's innovative approach to professional networking, potentially reshaping the landscape of career-oriented platforms.
Read.cv will cease operations, with users given until May 16, 2025, to export their data13
Perplexity's CEO, Aravind Srinivas, praised Read.cv's team for their expertise in design and social experiences12
This is Perplexity's third acquisition, following the purchases of Carbon and Spellwise24
The move aligns with Perplexity's increasing focus on corporate-oriented functionalities2
Perplexity has reportedly raised over $500 million in capital and is valued at $9 billion2
The integration aims to enhance Perplexity's offerings in user management, internal knowledge search, and AI-powered recruiting tools1
The acquisition of Read.cv by Perplexity AI has set in motion a series of changes for the platform's users. Here's a concise overview of the key dates and actions users need to be aware of:
Users are encouraged to export their profiles, posts, and messages before the May deadline to preserve their professional data. Those with personal websites using .cv domains will be automatically transitioned to Hello.cv, ensuring continuity of their online presence1. While this marks the end of Read.cv as a standalone platform, it opens up possibilities for integration with Perplexity's AI-driven tools, potentially offering users enhanced professional networking capabilities in the future5.
Perplexity's acquisition of Read.cv is set to bring significant changes to both platforms, with a focus on integrating Read.cv's social networking expertise into Perplexity's AI-driven ecosystem. This strategic move aims to enhance Perplexity's offerings in the professional networking space while leveraging its advanced AI capabilities.
Integration Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Team Assimilation | Read.cv's three-person team joins Perplexity1 |
Feature Integration | Read.cv's social networking features to be incorporated into Perplexity's platform2 |
AI Enhancement | Perplexity's AI capabilities to be applied to professional networking tools3 |
User Data Migration | Read.cv users' data to be integrated into Perplexity's ecosystem4 |
Enterprise Focus | Strengthening of Perplexity's corporate-oriented functionalities2 |
This integration is expected to create a unique blend of AI-powered search and professional networking, potentially positioning Perplexity as a strong competitor to established platforms like LinkedIn3. By combining Read.cv's user-friendly design with Perplexity's advanced AI, the company aims to offer innovative solutions for career management, talent acquisition, and professional development5.
Read.cv was a professional networking platform founded in 2021 by Andy Chung, a former product designer at prominent tech companies including Facebook, Mozilla, and Salesforce-owned Quip1. The platform offered innovative tools for professionals to showcase their work and connect with others in their industries:
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Resume Sharing | Users could share detailed resumes and portfolios |
Professional Networking | Platform for chatting with industry peers |
Organizational Tools | Team profiles, job listings, and candidate searches |
Personal Websites | "Sites" feature allowed users to create websites from profiles |
Custom Domains | Offered ".cv" domains for personal branding |
Read.cv distinguished itself from competitors like LinkedIn by focusing on creative professionals and offering a more visually-oriented approach to showcasing work2. The platform was backed by funding from F7 Ventures and Fanjul Capital, operating with a small team of around three employees based in West Berkeley1. Its acquisition by Perplexity marks the end of its independent operations but potentially opens new avenues for integrating its innovative approach to professional networking with AI-powered search capabilities.