
Commercial Account Executive at Perplexity (San Francisco, CA)
Perplexity· San Francisco, CA· $140k–$220k·
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
Drive new business growth by prospecting, pitching, and closing Enterprise solutions with small and mid-sized organizations. Convert self-serve customers into Enterprise relationships and manage the full sales cycle from outreach to closing.
Job description
Perplexity is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Commercial Account Executive to join our small but mighty Enterprise team. In this role, you will be responsible for driving new business growth across small and mid-sized organizations, converting product-led demand into committed Enterprise relationships, and building Perplexity's footprint across thousands of high-potential accounts. This role is ideal for proactive sales professionals who thrive at the intersection of technology and business, and who want to help shape Perplexity's commercial motion from the ground up.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Drive new business by prospecting, pitching, and closing Perplexity Enterprise solutions with small and mid-sized organizations
- Convert existing self-serve customers into Enterprise relationships, and land net-new logos through outbound, inbound, and product-led signals
- Diligently research prospects, develop account strategies, and execute outreach campaigns tailored to company and industry needs
- Conduct high-impact product demonstrations and respond to technical inquiries across Perplexity's full product suite
- Lead client engagement through the entire sales cycle, from initial presentation, technical evaluation, negotiation, to closing and onboarding
- Quickly diagnose account potential, qualify in and out with discipline, and partner with Enterprise AEs when an account warrants a larger motion
- Collaborate closely with Product, Marketing, and Customer Success to ensure customer satisfaction and solution fit
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Perplexity's platform, industry trends, and competitor landscape
- Meet or exceed individual and team revenue, logo, and activity targets on a monthly and quarterly basis
- Maintain accurate records of pipeline and account activity using CRM tools
QUALIFICATIONS
- Full-cycle SaaS sales experience with a strong track record of closing new business
- Proven record of meeting or exceeding revenue targets in a high-growth environment
- Skilled at running efficient sales cycles and tailoring messaging to different buyer personas and decision makers
- Proven success outbound prospecting into small and mid-sized organizations
- Exceptional written and verbal communication; comfortable presenting to executives and technical buyers
- Adept at identifying client pain points and mapping solutions that drive business value
- Ability to collaborate effectively with both cross-functional teams and technical stakeholders
- Experience with CRM systems (e.g. Salesforce)
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
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.