AI Startup Perplexity Shocks Tech World with $34.5 Billion Chrome Acquisition Bid

Perplexity AI has made an unprecedented $34.5 billion unsolicited bid to acquire Google's Chrome browser, representing nearly double the AI startup's current valuation and positioning itself ahead of potential antitrust-mandated divestiture proceedings.
 

The artificial intelligence industry witnessed a seismic shift this week when Perplexity AI submitted a formal $34.5 billion offer to acquire Google's Chrome browser from Alphabet.

This audacious move comes as the Department of Justice pushes for Google to divest Chrome following a landmark antitrust ruling.

The Unprecedented Offer Details

Perplexity's bid includes a commitment to keep Chrome's underlying Chromium engine open source and invest $3 billion into it.

Perhaps most surprisingly, the company promises not to change Chrome's default search engine, meaning Google would remain the default rather than Perplexity's AI-powered search.

The offer's scale is staggering when considering that Perplexity was valued at $18 billion in its most recent funding round, making their Chrome bid worth nearly twice their entire company valuation.

The startup says it has secured backing from venture capital investors to fund the acquisition.

Strategic Timing Amid Antitrust Pressure

This bid comes at a critical moment for Google. The Department of Justice is calling for Google to divest Chrome following a ruling that the company holds a monopoly in the search market.

Chrome dominates with about 66% of browser usage and billions of users worldwide.

Industry experts have valued Chrome at upwards of $50 billion, with some analysts offering more conservative estimates around $20 billion.

The DOJ views Chrome as a critical component of Google's search monopoly because it provides the company with valuable user data for advertising targeting.
 

The AI Browser Wars Heat Up

Perplexity's bold move coincides with the company's recent launch of its own AI-powered browser.

In July 2025, Perplexity launched Comet, an AI-powered web browser available to subscribers of its $200-per-month Max plan.

Comet features Perplexity's AI search engine as the default and includes Comet Assistant, an AI agent that can automate routine tasks like summarizing emails and managing tabs.

The AI browser competition is intensifying rapidly.

OpenAI is reportedly close to releasing its own AI-powered web browser that will challenge Google Chrome, with a launch expected in the coming weeks.

OpenAI's browser is built on Chromium and aims to use artificial intelligence to fundamentally change how consumers browse the web.

Market Reactions and Industry Impact

Wall Street appears to be dismissing Perplexity as a serious potential Chrome buyer, given that the reported offer exceeds the startup's valuation.

Some analysts view this as a strategic publicity move rather than a genuine acquisition attempt.

Even if this Chrome transaction never materializes, it could serve as a visibility springboard for Perplexity's own browser ambitions. The bid has certainly generated significant media attention for the company and its Comet browser product.

What This Means for the Future

The implications extend far beyond a single acquisition. If approved by courts, penalties against Google could revolutionize how millions of Americans search for information and potentially disrupt the tight integration among Google's key products and services.

For businesses and consumers, this development signals a potential shift toward AI-native browsing experiences.

Early reviews of Perplexity's Comet browser suggest that AI-powered browsers represent "the first time AI has wowed" some users, indicating genuine utility beyond mere novelty.

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Whether Perplexity's bid succeeds or not, it marks a pivotal moment in the AI industry's challenge to Big Tech's dominance.

The combination of antitrust pressure on Google and the emergence of AI-native browsing alternatives could fundamentally reshape how people interact with the internet.

 

What's your take on this story?

Is Perplexity's $34.5 billion bid a genuine acquisition attempt or a brilliant PR stunt, and will AI-powered browsers like Comet actually challenge Chrome's dominance?

Share your thoughts and predictions using the comment form below.