
Account Executive, API at Perplexity (San Francisco, CA)
Perplexity· San Francisco, CA· $200k–$400k·
Role details
Perplexity at a glance
AI-powered answer engine that returns real-time, cited answers, now expanding into an agentic browser and on-device agents.
Perplexity runs an AI answer engine that searches the live web and returns direct, cited answers instead of a page of links. It has extended that core into an AI browser (Comet), an on-device agent (Computer), a developer API, and vertical tools like patent search.
$1.7B raised · latest: Series E extension · $200M · 2025 (reported $20B valuation) · backed by Accel, IVP, NEA, SoftBank Vision Fund 2
Job description
Perplexity is seeking a self-starting, technically fluent Account Executive to join our small but mighty Enterprise team and own new business for the Perplexity API platform — the frontier AI developer tools (Search, Sonar, and Agent APIs) that power real-time, grounded answer engines.
This is a rare seat. You'll get to sell — and help shape — frontier AI dev tools, with a front-row seat into how the most ambitious AI-native product companies think about frontier AI infrastructure. Your job is to evangelize that platform with large enterprises and turn it into durable revenue. This role is ideal for proactive sales professionals who thrive at the intersection of technology and business, can operate in ambiguity, and want to shape the future of enterprise AI.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Drive new business by prospecting, pitching, and closing Perplexity API platform solutions with large organizations
- Research prospects, develop account strategies, and execute outreach campaigns tailored to company and industry needs
- Conduct high-impact product demonstrations and respond to RFPs and technical inquiries
- Lead client engagement through the entire sales cycle — from initial presentation, technical evaluation, negotiation, to closing and onboarding
- Build and nurture senior-level relationships across enterprise clients, championing Perplexity's value proposition and customer outcomes
- Partner closely with Product, DevRel, and Engineering to ensure customer success, solution fit, and a feedback loop into the roadmap
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Perplexity's platform, industry trends, and competitor landscape
- Meet or exceed individual and team revenue targets on a monthly and quarterly basis
- Maintain accurate records of pipeline and account activity using CRM tools
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
- A self-starter who can operate in ambiguity and knock down walls to get deals done
- Technically fluent — comfortable speaking credibly with developers and technical buyers
- 3+ years of full-cycle SaaS sales experience, ideally with enterprise-level clients
- Proven record of meeting or exceeding revenue targets in a high-growth environment
- Skilled at complex sales cycles, tailoring messaging to different buyer personas and decision makers
- Proven success outbound prospecting to large enterprise
- Exceptional written and verbal communication; comfortable presenting to C-suite executives
- Adept at identifying client pain points and mapping solutions that drive business value
- Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and technical stakeholders
- Experience with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce)
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
NICE TO HAVE
- Experience working with APIs or developer platforms
- A computer science or technical background
- Familiarity with the AI / LLM / agent ecosystem
Why work at Perplexity
- Culture & Environment: “Thoughtful support” culture with emphasis on craftsmanship, ownership, entrepreneurship, scholarship, and partnership. Hybrid schedule (4 days in-office) based on location.
- Perks: Daily catered meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner in office), office snacks, ride home program, commuter benefits, home office reimbursement, fitness classes, gym memberships.
- Compensation & Benefits: Competitive salary and equity packages; retirement plans with company match; flexible PTO; holiday shutdown between Christmas and New Year; 12 weeks paid bonding leave; comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Relocation & Visa Support: Relocation assistance and visa/green card sponsorship for eligible roles. Partners with immigration firm to support the process.
- Engineering Excellence: “Technical assessment for relevant roles”; values hands-on contribution, broad skill sets, and merit-based evaluation. Frequent Tech Talks and exposure to greenfield AI research problems.