By Andre Savage
Publication Date: 2026-09-15 16:22:00
The deal and what Crusoe will deliver
Crusoe struck a multiyear cloud contract with Perplexity as it works to grow revenue from renting AI chips and software. Perplexity will use Nvidia hardware from Crusoe to both train and serve its models, with Crusoe overseeing the technology for its full lifespan, according to Erwan Menard, the senior vice president leading the cloud product. The arrangement also includes providing Perplexity’s Enterprise Max product to more than 1,800 employees. Neither company disclosed financial terms.
Tech access and competitive positioning
Crusoe Cloud offers both Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices chips, a two-track approach that is unusual given many neocloud peers stick to a single supplier. Nate Kupp, who oversees engineering as well as the enterprise and infrastructure teams at Perplexity, said Crusoe is aiding the startup in obtaining more Nvidia GB300 chips that the company needs for its work. Menard added that Crusoe has access to Nvidia’s newest processors, known as Vera Rubin, and that other contracted customers are already using them, without naming those clients.
How this fits with Crusoe’s business
Crusoe is widely recognized for running big-ticket projects such as OpenAI’s Stargate data center in Abilene, Texas, and it is building out a cloud unit that competes with names like CoreWeave Inc. and Nebius Group NV. The company also inked a $13 billion agreement with Jane Street tied to its cloud arm. Menard said offering a cloud option…