Perplexity CEO’s Bengaluru Confession: Work Over Exploration
Bengaluru, India: Aravind Srinivas is the co-founder and CEO of AI-powered search startup Perplexity. He revealed this in a candid conversation with Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath. He shared that he never explored Bengaluru during his internship. He blamed the city’s notorious traffic and his own relentless work ethic for this.
On Kamath’s popular WTF Online podcast, Srinivas admitted, “I just worked all the time. Now that I look back, I probably think I should have explored.” During his three-week stint in Koramangala, the IIT Madras alumnus prioritized work over leisure, staying mostly indoors.
Traffic vs. Weather: Srinivas’ Take on Bengaluru
While Srinivas skipped the city’s landmarks, he did notice one perk: “The weather was awesome compared to Chennai.” Yet, he stood by his decision. He cited Bengaluru’s worsening congestion: “I remember the traffic being bad back then. I hear it’s even worse now. It was likely a wise decision to remain indoors and work.
From Kaggle to AI Pioneer
The conversation shifted to Srinivas’ rise in AI. His fascination with machine learning began after entering a Kaggle competition, which he called his “entry into AI.” For him, the thrill lay in “figuring out how machines learn from data”—not just winning.
Srinivas, known for his tireless drive, told Kamath, “I’m really proud of [working hard]. It’s not about chasing some goal to scale—it’s about what I love doing.”
AI Insights and the Power of Questions
The duo also discussed:
- Lex Fridman’s Grilling: Srinivas recalled the AI podcaster’s deep dive into neural networks and Google’s strategy.
- India’s AI Potential: Srinivas shared thoughts on where the country stands in the global AI race.
- Curiosity Matters: He stressed the importance of asking “simple questions” to drive innovation.
Why This Matters
- Relatable Dilemma: Work-life balance resonates with professionals in fast-paced tech hubs.
- AI Leadership: Insights from a rising star in AI offer a glimpse into the industry’s future.
- Bengaluru’s Reality: The traffic critique highlights infrastructure challenges in India’s Silicon Valley.
