Genspark Raises $60 Million to Challenge Google with AI-Powered Search Innovation

Genspark, an AI-powered search startup founded by former Baidu executives, has secured $60 million in seed funding in a round led by Singapore-based Lanchi Ventures. This substantial investment values the startup at $260 million, despite currently having no revenue. Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, Genspark utilizes a diverse array of AI models to index and summarize information, distinguishing itself by generating customized pages for each query.
Eric Jing, CEO of Genspark and previously in charge of Baidu’s Xiaodu unit, revealed that the company’s team of 20 is split between Palo Alto and Singapore, with plans to establish an additional office in Seattle. Initially targeting the U.S. market, Genspark operates on a free-to-use model with potential future monetization through subscriptions. The platform harnesses various large language models, including Meta’s Llama and OpenAI’s GPT models, to enhance search capabilities.
The timing of Genspark’s funding round coincides with a heightened competitive landscape in the search engine market, where AI-driven innovations are reshaping how users access and consume information online. Competitors like You.com are also in the process of securing significant funding rounds, underscoring the growing interest and investment in AI-powered search technologies aimed at challenging Google’s dominance.