Meta explores potential acquisition of "Perplexity AI" before investing $14.3 billion in "Scale AI"

CNBC network revealed in a report on Friday, June 20, negotiations between Meta and the emerging artificial intelligence company Perplexity AI regarding a potential acquisition offer, before Meta ultimately decided to invest $14.3 billion in Scale AI.

Two informed sources, who requested anonymity due to the confidentiality of the discussions, stated that the negotiations between Meta and Perplexity did not result in any final agreement.

According to one source, the matter was "resolved amicably," while another source mentioned that Perplexity AI decided to withdraw from the potential deal.

This move comes as Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, seeks to enhance his company's capabilities in the field of artificial intelligence amid intense competition with major companies such as OpenAI and Alphabet, Google's parent company.

Zuckerberg had previously expressed concern about competitors advancing in developing core artificial intelligence models and consumer-oriented applications, as reported by CNBC, prompting him to make intensive efforts to attract top talents in this field.

Alexander Wang, the founder of Scale AI, is expected to get a seat at Meta alongside a limited number of company employees as part of the $14.3 billion investment deal. Under this agreement, Meta will own a 49% stake in Scale AI without any voting rights in the company's management.

It is worth noting that Meta had also attempted to acquire Safe Superintelligence, valued at $32 billion during a funding round in April, as reported by CNBC on Thursday.