The AI startup landscape is heating up, with Perplexity making a striking $34.5 billion offer to acquire Google’s Chrome browser. This move is a direct challenge to Google as it faces a potential court-ordered breakup of its alleged search monopoly. A federal judge has already ruled against Google, and remedies, including the sale of Chrome, have been proposed.
Perplexity’s unsolicited bid puts it in direct competition with rival startup OpenAI, which has also shown interest in acquiring Chrome. Despite its own $18 billion valuation, Perplexity’s Chief Business Officer has stated that the company has secured full financing for the acquisition from “multiple large investment funds.” This addresses the skepticism about its financial capacity.
To address user and regulatory concerns, Perplexity has committed to a “commitment to continuity,” promising no “stealth modifications” to Chrome. The offer is also structured to not include any equity in Perplexity, a move designed to alleviate potential antitrust issues related to the deal itself. Google has not yet responded to the bid.
This isn’t the first time Perplexity has attempted to acquire a major internet property facing regulatory pressure, as it previously made an offer to merge with TikTok’s U.S. operations. For AI companies, web browsers are increasingly seen as a vital platform for deploying AI agents that can perform a range of tasks for users. If the deal is successful, Perplexity has pledged to invest $3 billion over two years and to retain a significant portion of Chrome’s talent.
Picture Credit: www.heute.at
