The way consumers discover products and brands is undergoing a rapid shift. Increasingly, users are turning to AI-powered chatbots like ChatGPT instead of traditional search engines like Google. This change is creating a new frontier for marketing, and Berlin-based startup Peec AI is positioning itself at the forefront. The company has just closed a $21 million Series A funding round, led by Singular, to help brands navigate this evolving landscape.
The Rise of AI-Driven Product Discovery
For years, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) has been the cornerstone of digital marketing. But as AI chatbots gain prominence, brands need a new strategy to ensure their visibility. Peec AI’s platform allows companies to monitor how they appear in AI-powered searches, track sentiment, and identify the sources that shape these responses.
This approach, dubbed Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), is designed to replicate the principles of SEO for the AI era. Instead of optimizing for keywords, brands must now optimize for prompts – the questions users ask AI chatbots.
Rapid Growth and Expansion
Peec AI has experienced explosive growth since its launch ten months ago. The company has secured over 1,300 customers, including major brands like Axel Springer, Chanel, and TUI, and generated over $4 million in annual recurring revenue.
The new funding will fuel further expansion. Peec AI plans to hire 40 new employees in the next six months, primarily in Berlin, and open a sales office in New York City in early 2025. The company faces competition from emerging rivals like Profound and OtterlyAI, making rapid scaling crucial.
How Peec AI Works: Prompts, Sentiment, and Actionable Insights
Peec AI’s dashboard centers on tracking prompts rather than keywords. Customers can monitor up to 25 prompts for €75 per month, or 100 prompts for €169 per month. The platform doesn’t just show where brands appear in AI search results; it also analyzes how they are perceived.
The dashboard provides actionable insights, suggesting concrete steps to improve visibility and sentiment. For example, if a brand wants to be the top answer for “the best CRMs for fast-growing companies,” Peec AI might recommend engaging in relevant discussions on platforms like Reddit.
The Shifting Dynamics of Search Visibility
Peec AI’s research reveals that traditional SEO metrics – such as mentions in high-authority media outlets – don’t always translate to visibility in AI search. The platform has observed that mentions in lesser-known publications with headlines closely aligned with the original query can be just as, if not more, effective.
This highlights a fundamental shift in how search visibility is determined. In the AI era, relevance and clarity are paramount, even if it means prioritizing niche publications over established media giants.
The Future of Search Optimization
Peec AI’s success underscores the growing importance of adapting to the AI-driven search landscape. As more consumers turn to chatbots for product discovery, brands must embrace new optimization strategies to remain visible. The company’s platform provides the tools and insights needed to navigate this evolving terrain, ensuring that brands can thrive in the age of AI
