Perlman's first big break came when he and a friend developed a device that can convert voice calls into data. They pitched the idea in 1996 to a global networks conference but were shot down. The following year though, they received startup funding for Cignal Global Communications worth $14 million. Three years after, he sold Cignal Global Communications for $200 million. After Cignal Global Communications, Perlman went on to co-found Coature Corporation, Coskata, Inc., Sirtris Pharmaceuticals, Zafgen, AltaRock Energy, Foro Energy, Oasys Water, and GreatPoint Energy.
Today, Perlman is the CEO of GreatPoint Energy, which he co-founded in 2004. As CEO, he is responsible for developing GreatPoint's overall strategy, attracting partners for commercialization, raising funds, and developing and executing capital projects. Some of the leading investors behind GreatPoint Energy include The Dow Chemical Company, AES Corporation, Peabody Energy, and Suncor Energy. He was also recognized by MIT Technology Review as one of the top 35 innovators in the world under 35 years old and by the Boston Business Journal as one of the most promising business people in the state, and was highlighted by the Wall Street Journal as a leading young entrepreneur.