Perplexity AI Pursues $20B Valuation with $34.5B Chrome Bid

Perplexity AI is reportedly preparing for a new funding round at a $20 billion valuation, a significant jump from its previous valuation of $18 billion in July 2025 [1]. The company has submitted an unsolicited $34.5 billion all-cash bid to acquire the Google Chrome browser from Alphabet Inc. [2], a product now at the center of an ongoing U.S. antitrust investigation. A court ruling in the near future could determine whether Google is compelled to divest the browser [1], making the timing of Perplexity’s bid particularly strategic.

Since January 2024, Perplexity’s valuation has surged by 3,746%, rising from $520 million to $20 billion. The company has also reached an annual recurring revenue of $80 million, with 22 million monthly active users, according to data platform DemandSage [1]. These figures highlight the firm’s rapid growth and strong market traction, particularly in the AI-powered search and browser space.

The proposed acquisition of Chrome represents a bold move for Perplexity, aiming to integrate its AI capabilities directly into one of the most widely used digital tools globally. If successful, the acquisition could redefine how users interact with web content, embedding intelligence into daily browsing experiences. The strategic alignment of AI with a high-traffic browser could enhance user engagement and expand Perplexity’s influence across digital workflows [2].

The company is not the only entity showing interest in Chrome. OpenAI, Apollo Global Management, and Yahoo are also reportedly considering bids, according to media reports [1]. This competitive landscape underscores the strategic value of the browser in the evolving tech ecosystem.

Perplexity’s recent launch of Comet, its AI-powered browser, demonstrates the company’s commitment to innovation in this space. With the AI race increasingly spilling into web search, Perplexity is positioning itself at the forefront of a shift that could challenge the dominance of existing tech players [2].

The success of the $20 billion valuation and the Chrome acquisition will ultimately depend on the outcome of legal proceedings, investor confidence, and the willingness of the broader market to support such a valuation. The developments signal a company that is not only growing rapidly but also leveraging key opportunities to shape the future of AI-integrated digital experiences.

Source:

[1] Perplexity AI Eyes $20B Valuation in New Funding Round (https://cointelegraph.com/news/perplexity-ai-fundraise-20b-valuation-google-chrome-bid)

[2] MLQ.ai | Stocks (https://mlq.ai/news/)