From Chennai to India’s Youngest Billionaire
India’s startup ecosystem has produced another remarkable success story. Aravind Srinivas, a 31-year-old entrepreneur from Chennai, has officially become India’s youngest billionaire in 2025. According to the latest M3M Hurun India Rich List, Srinivas has entered the elite rankings with a net worth of ₹21,190 crore.
The milestone highlights the growing impact of Indian talent in the global artificial intelligence (AI) sector. As co-founder and CEO of Perplexity AI, Srinivas has built a platform that is now seen as a formidable challenger to Google Gemini and OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
His debut on the Hurun list is more than just a personal achievement. It also reflects India’s transition from a services-driven economy to a hub of deep technology and AI innovation.
The Rise of Perplexity AI
Founded in 2022 by Srinivas and his co-founders Denis Yarats, Johnny Ho, and Andy Konwinski, Perplexity AI has quickly risen to global prominence. The company developed a conversational search engine that combines speed, accuracy, and AI-powered knowledge retrieval.
The platform’s growth has been supported by strong investor confidence. Reports note that Jeff Bezos is among the backers, while Apple and Meta have expressed acquisition interest. This attention underscores the scale of Perplexity’s ambition in the AI space.
According to the Hurun report, Srinivas’ wealth stems from “building a foundational AI model competing globally,” marking a shift in India’s tech story. The success of Perplexity AI highlights how young Indian entrepreneurs are shaping the global AI race.
Academic Excellence and Career Path
Srinivas’ rise is backed by years of academic and professional excellence. He completed dual degrees in Electrical Engineering from IIT Madras before moving to the University of California, Berkeley, where he pursued a PhD in Computer Science.
During his career, Srinivas worked at some of the world’s most prestigious AI organizations, including OpenAI, Google, and DeepMind. This experience helped him build the foundation for launching his own company.
His journey from Chennai to Berkeley and then to Silicon Valley reflects the growing global presence of Indian technologists in shaping cutting-edge research and products.
A Symbol of India’s Tech Transformation
The inclusion of Srinivas in the Hurun India Rich List 2025 carries symbolic weight. For decades, India’s economy was powered by services and outsourcing. However, the rise of deep-tech companies like Perplexity AI demonstrates a shift toward product-led innovation.
The report notes: “The debut of Aravind Srinivas, 31, founder of Perplexity, as the youngest billionaire, underscores this transformation.”
By building an AI product that competes globally, Srinivas has positioned himself as a role model for India’s next generation of entrepreneurs. His success story adds momentum to India’s ambition of becoming a technology-driven powerhouse.
The Road Ahead
With a fortune of ₹21,190 crore, Srinivas has achieved what many entrepreneurs can only dream of at a young age. Yet, industry analysts suggest this may just be the beginning.
As Perplexity AI continues to expand its global footprint, its valuation and market influence could grow further. The backing of top investors and interest from tech giants signal that the company is poised for even bigger breakthroughs.
For India, Srinivas’ achievement is a matter of national pride. It not only proves the country’s talent pool but also highlights how Indian entrepreneurs are contributing to the future of artificial intelligence.