Perplexity AI Challenges Google with $34.5B Chrome Bid
New York, US – August 13, 2025 – Perplexity AI has made a bold $34.5 billion cash bid to acquire Google Chrome, aiming to reshape AI-powered web browsing. The startup, currently valued at $14 billion, plans to leverage Chrome’s massive user base of over 3 billion people to compete more effectively in the growing AI browser market.
Led by CEO Aravind Srinivas, Perplexity AI is quickly expanding its influence in AI-driven tools. The company’s existing browser, Comet, already helps users complete tasks more efficiently using artificial intelligence. By acquiring Google Chrome, Perplexity hopes to scale globally and become a major player against competitors like OpenAI.
Alphabet Inc., Google’s parent company, is facing mounting legal pressure. A U.S. court ruled last year that Google had maintained an illegal monopoly in online search. In response, the Department of Justice proposed the sale of Chrome as a possible remedy. However, Google has not publicly commented on the acquisition offer or indicated any plans to sell the browser.
The startup structured the offer as an all-cash deal. Although Perplexity has raised only about $1 billion in total funding, investors such as SoftBank and Nvidia have already backed the company. Several financial institutions have also shown interest in supporting the deal. While specific funding sources have not been named, Perplexity claims that multiple funds are prepared to cover the full amount.
According to a term sheet reviewed by Reuters, the company plans to keep Chromium, Chrome’s open-source code base, fully accessible. It also intends to invest $3 billion in the browser over the next two years. Google Search would remain the default engine, and the company promises not to restrict user choice. These commitments are meant to address regulatory concerns and promote a competitive environment.
Industry analysts remain skeptical about the deal. Chrome plays a key role in Google’s advertising and AI strategies. The browser now includes features like AI-generated search summaries, which are central to Google’s efforts to maintain search dominance. Giving up Chrome could jeopardize that position, making it unlikely that Google will agree to sell.
Legal experts believe the antitrust case could take years to resolve. Judge Amit Mehta is expected to announce a decision soon. However, appeals may delay any concrete outcome. Historically, courts are hesitant to force asset sales while legal proceedings are still ongoing. This could further complicate any potential deal between Perplexity and Google.
Some in the industry believe the offer underestimates Chrome’s market value. DuckDuckGo CEO Gabriel Weinberg recently stated that Chrome may be worth over $50 billion. If a sale is mandated by regulators, the final price could be far higher than Perplexity’s current bid. Still, the startup’s willingness to make such an aggressive offer marks a significant moment in the browser market.
Even if Google declines to move forward, Perplexity AI’s proposal sends a strong message. Web browsers are no longer just tools for accessing websites. They have become essential platforms for artificial intelligence, data control, and user engagement. The way people interact with the internet is changing, and browsers are at the center of that transformation.
As a result, Perplexity AI is positioning itself to lead this shift. The company is not only challenging Google but also signaling to the tech industry that innovation in browser technology is far from over. Whether the deal succeeds or not, Perplexity’s move reflects growing ambition among AI startups to take on legacy giants.
This $34.5 billion offer represents more than just a financial bid. It highlights a changing digital landscape where control of browsers means influence over AI, search, and user data. In stepping forward, Perplexity aims to help shape the next generation of online experiences for billions of users worldwide.
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