Perplexity's CEO said he anticipates some 'temporary job displacement' because of AI — but there's a silver lining
Lester Cohen/Getty Images for Breakthrough Prize
- AI job losses may create new business opportunities, says Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas.
- "The reality is most people don't enjoy their jobs," he said.
- AI tools are fueling creative side hustles, such as writing pitch decks and children's books.
AI job losses may not be all that bad, says Perplexity's CEO.
During an appearance on the "All In" podcast, filmed at last week's Nvidia's GTC and published on Monday, Aravind Srinivas said AI may lead to job cuts — but it could also create lots of business opportunities.
"The reality is most people don't enjoy their jobs," he said. Instead of corporate grinding, learn how to use AI tools and "start your own mini business," he said.
On Monday's podcast, the CEO added that AI-fueled small businesses may allow an entrepreneur to pay for their needs, enjoy a high quality of life, and feel a sense of ownership and passion.
"Even if there is temporary job displacement to deal with, that sort of glorious future is what we should look forward to," he said.
Srinivas cofounded Perplexity in 2022 after working as a researcher at Google's DeepMind and OpenAI. In August, Business Insider reported that the AI search engine was seeking fresh funding at a $20 billion post-money valuation. The startup's investors include SoftBank, Nvidia, and Jeff Bezos.
Srinivas has previously touted AI as a tool that can spur entrepreneurship.
"Spend less time doomscrolling on Instagram; spend more time using the AIs," he said in a July interview with Matthew Berman.
As AI shrinks headcounts across industries, Srinivas said, new jobs have to come from entrepreneurs.
"Either the other people who lose jobs end up starting companies themselves and make use of AIs, or they end up learning the AIs and contribute to new companies," he added.
The availability of generative AI and vibe coding tools has led to a spike in people experimenting with side hustles and small business ideas.
Earlier this year, Business Insider reported how side hustlers are using AI tools to make thousands of dollars selling startup pitch decks, writing children's books, providing translation services, and creating résumés for others.