Perplexity Explores Acquisition of Google Chrome at Valuation Exceeding Its Own

Perplexity reportedly aims to acquire the widely used Google Chrome browser.

Artificial intelligence (AI) startup Perplexity made headlines on Tuesday with a bold move to acquire the Google Chrome browser in its entirety. The company, led by Aravind Srinivas, reportedly offered $34.5 billion (roughly Rs. 3.02 lakh crore) for the rights to the world’s most popular web browser. Interestingly, this offer exceeds Perplexity’s own valuation, highlighting the ambitious nature of the AI firm’s plans. This announcement comes amid ongoing antitrust scrutiny against Alphabet, Google’s parent company, which has faced accusations of leveraging its search dominance.

Perplexity’s Bold Bid
As per a Bloomberg report, Perplexity intends to fund this massive acquisition with backing from external investors. Dmitry Shevelenko, the company’s Chief Business Officer, stated, “Multiple large investment funds have agreed to finance the transaction in full.” This move reflects the startup’s aggressive approach to expanding its footprint in the tech ecosystem, despite its comparatively smaller size relative to Alphabet.

The reported bid of $34.5 billion far surpasses Perplexity’s own valuation, which was last pegged at $18 billion (roughly Rs. 1.57 lakh crore). This valuation followed a funding round in July, during which the AI company raised an additional $100 million (roughly Rs. 875 crore), further bolstering its resources and credibility in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

If successful, the acquisition would mark a monumental shift in the tech industry, giving an AI startup control over one of the most widely used web platforms globally. Observers suggest that this move could intensify competition in the browser market while positioning Perplexity as a formidable force capable of challenging larger, established players in both AI and internet services.