Perplexity AI Offers $34.5 Billion for Google Chrome in Bold Move

Artificial intelligence startup Perplexity AI has made an unsolicited $34.5 billion offer to acquire Google’s Chrome browser, a move that has generated significant buzz in the technology and investment sectors. The offer, first reported by the Wall Street Journal and confirmed by other outlets, represents a dramatic attempt by the AI firm to enter a key segment of the digital ecosystem and challenge the dominant players in online search and browser usage [1][3].

Chrome, launched in 2008, remains the world’s most popular web browser and a core component of Google’s broader advertising and data collection strategy. The U.S. Department of Justice has previously recommended that Google consider selling Chrome as part of a broader antitrust settlement following a ruling that the company holds an illegal monopoly in search [1]. Perplexity’s offer aligns with this regulatory environment, potentially positioning the startup as a strategic buyer under government pressure.

The AI firm, valued at $18 billion following a $100 million fundraising round in 2024, is best known for its AI-powered search engine. In recent months, it has also introduced its own AI browser, Comet, and has been actively competing in the generative AI space alongside major firms such as Meta and OpenAI. Despite the significant financial gap between Perplexity’s valuation and the $34.5 billion offer, the company has reportedly secured interest from major investment funds willing to finance the transaction [2]. According to Perplexity’s Chief Business Officer, Dmitry Shevelenko, these external investors have expressed readiness to support the deal in full [2].

The company’s proposal includes a commitment to maintain the open-source Chromium codebase and to invest $3 billion over two years into the Chrome platform. Importantly, the offer does not suggest immediate changes to Chrome’s current functionality, a decision intended to preserve user experience and developer confidence during a potential transition [2]. Such assurances may help mitigate concerns from both users and developers about a disruptive shift in browser leadership.

This bid highlights an emerging trend in the tech industry, where AI startups are increasingly seeking to acquire traditional software assets to gain broader influence in the digital landscape. While Perplexity is significantly smaller than its potential rivals, its leadership appears focused on long-term strategic gains rather than short-term financial metrics [5]. The move also underscores the growing strategic value of browser technologies as platforms for AI integration, offering startups like Perplexity a direct gateway to large user bases and data ecosystems.

However, the offer remains highly uncertain. Google, which has not publicly commented on the proposal, holds Chrome as a central asset within its digital services. The company has previously faced discussions around asset sales, including reports that Meta had approached Perplexity over a potential deal [2]. Analysts have not yet offered direct commentary on the feasibility of the Chrome acquisition, and no forecasts have been publicly released about the deal’s likelihood of success [6].

Perplexity’s move is considered a high-risk, high-reward strategy to redefine competition in both the browser and AI search markets. If accepted, the deal would represent a rare example of an AI startup acquiring a major legacy product from one of the tech industry’s original giants. The outcome of this bid could signal a broader shift in how emerging technologies challenge traditional tech powerhouses and reshape the future of the internet [7].

Source:

[1] Perplexity Makes Longshot $34.5 Billion Offer for Chrome (https://www.wsj.com/tech/perplexity-ai-google-chrome-offer-5ddb7a22)

[2] AI startup Perplexity makes bold $34.5 billion bid for ... (https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/ai-startup-perplexity-makes-bold-345-billion-bid-googles-chrome-browser-2025-08-12/)

[3] AI upstart Perplexity makes $34.5B offer for Google's Chrome (https://www.axios.com/2025/08/12/ai-perplexity-google-chrome-deal)

[5] Perplexity propositions Google with $34.5B to sell off Chrome (https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/08/12/perplexity-propositions-google-with-345b-to-sell-off-chrome)

[6] Tech Voices: Perplexity's $34.5B Chrome bid, Musk vs. ... (https://seekingalpha.com/news/4484095-tech-voices-perplexitys-34_5b-chrome-bid-musk-vs-apple-nvidia)

[7] Perplexity just made a $34.5 billion offer for Google Chrome (https://www.tomsguide.com/ai/perplexity-just-made-a-usd34-5-billion-offer-for-google-chrome-what-you-need-to-know)