Business Development Representative at Perplexity (San Francisco, CA)
Perplexity· San Francisco, CA· $75k–$120k·
Role details
Equity · Commission
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
Summary
The Business Development Representative drives revenue growth by managing inbound and outbound pipelines, qualifying enterprise prospects using BANT criteria, and executing targeted campaigns. The role involves strategic market research, social selling, and maintaining data hygiene in Salesforce to support Account E...
Job description
What You’ll Do
Drive Revenue & Qualify Opportunities
- Balance dual inbound and outbound responsibilities to drive pipeline growth
- Qualify inbound enterprise prospects using BANT criteria to identify high-value opportunities for Account Executive handoff
- Execute targeted outbound campaigns to penetrate specific industry verticals
Strategic Outbound & Market Development
- Use social selling to represent the Perplexity brand—posting, commenting, and experimenting with new formats to stay top-of-mind with prospects
- Research and map accounts within assigned verticals to build comprehensive prospect lists
- Develop vertical-specific messaging that resonates with industry pain points and use cases for Perplexity Enterprise
- Contribute to top of funnel strategy
Sales Operations & Excellence
- Maintain pristine data hygiene in Salesforce, ensuring all prospect interactions and qualification criteria are documented
- Respond rapidly to inbound inquiries with consultative, value-driven communication
- Build and iterate on outbound sequences that drive consistent pipeline generation
What You'll Need
Core competencies
- Exceptional communication skills: Ability to articulate complex AI/search solutions clearly via email and phone, adapting tone and technical depth to various stakeholders
- Vertical expertise: Demonstrated understanding of at least one key industry (e.g., Financial Services, Healthcare, Legal, Consulting) with ability to speak to industry-specific challenges
- Sales acumen: Proven ability to qualify prospects using BANT methodology while maintaining velocity in the sales cycle
- Technical aptitude: Comfort discussing enterprise software, APIs, and AI capabilities at a high level
- Self-starter mentality with ability to manage competing priorities (closing deals vs. qualifying for AEs)
- Data-driven approach to tracking conversion rates, response times, and pipeline metrics
- Intellectual curiosity about how AI and advanced search transform enterprise workflows
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment where processes are still being defined
Nice to Haves
- 9 months to two years in SaaS sales development or business development roles
- Experience selling to technical and non-technical buyers
- Familiarity with enterprise AI/ML solutions or search technologies
- Track record of consistently achieving 100%+ of quota
- Pulling data with Salesforce Reporting, SQL or Business intelligence tools
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience
- Experience at a high-growth technology startup
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.