Perplexity’s $34.5 Billion Bet: A Strategic Move on Chrome’s Future

AI startup Perplexity has placed a $34.5 billion bet on the future of Google’s Chrome browser, offering to acquire it amidst Google’s ongoing U.S. antitrust troubles. A federal judge has already ruled that Google has an illegal monopoly on internet search, and the US government has proposed remedies that could include the forced sale of Chrome.
The unsolicited bid positions Perplexity against rival startup OpenAI, which has also shown interest in acquiring Chrome. While questions have been raised about Perplexity’s ability to finance the massive deal, given its $18 billion valuation, the company’s Chief Business Officer has stated that “multiple large investment funds have agreed to finance the transaction in full.”
To allay user fears and regulatory scrutiny, Perplexity has pledged a “commitment to continuity,” promising no “stealth modifications” to the browser. 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 is not the first time Perplexity has pursued an internet property facing regulatory pressure. Earlier this year, it also submitted a bid to merge with TikTok’s U.S. operations. The interest in web browsers highlights their growing significance for AI companies, which are seeking to build agents that can perform tasks for users, such as online shopping. If the offer is approved, Perplexity has committed to investing $3 billion over two years in Chrome and Chromium and to retain a substantial portion of the Chrome talent.