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Profound, a startup focused on AI engine optimization (AEO) that helps brands manage visibility in AI-generated answers, raised a $180 million Series D funding round at a $1.8 billion valuation. The round comes less than seven months after the company raised a $96 million Series C, reflecting rapid investor interest in tools built around AI search and chatbot ecosystems. The fast succession of large raises highlights growing demand from businesses seeking to optimize their presence within AI-driven search and recommendation systems, an emerging niche as more consumers turn to AI assistants for information.