San Francisco-based AI search startup, Perplexity, has made headlines by submitting an unsolicited offer to acquire Google’s Chrome web browser for $34.5 billion.
Perplexity, run by CEO Aravind Srinivas, delivered the proposal to Alphabet, Google’s parent company, on Tuesday morning.
The startup says it has backing from major investment funds to finance the bid, though it has declined to disclose the names of its investors.
“This proposal is designed to satisfy an antitrust remedy in highest public interest by placing Chrome with a capable, independent operator focused on continuity, openness, and consumer protection,” Srinivas said in the letter.
Google Under Antitrust Scrutiny
The proposal comes as Google faces growing regulatory pressure in the United States. A federal judge ruled last year that the company has been illegally monopolizing the search market.
In response, the US government has floated remedies including forcing the sale of Chrome and licensing search data to competitors to level the playing field.
Google has pledged to appeal the ruling but is also negotiating for a softer remedy, such as adjusting default search deals with Apple, Mozilla, and Android partners.
Assessing Perplexity’s Offer
Industry analysts have expressed skepticism about the seriousness of Perplexity’s bid. Perplexity, however, insists it has the resources and a plan to enhance the browser.
The startup, recently valued at $18 billion following a $100 million fundraising round, says it would invest $3 billion over two years to expand Chrome and its open-source Chromium project while retaining much of the browser’s existing talent.
This isn’t Perplexity’s first move ahead of a potential tech divestment. Earlier this year, the startup reportedly explored a merger with TikTok’s US operations to preempt a possible ban on the app.
Perplexity is also developing its own browser, Comet, which will feature built-in AI agents capable of performing tasks such as online shopping.
The company promises it would not make “stealth modifications” to Chrome, ensuring stability for both users and advertisers.
AI Search and Browser Market Analysis
The AI-powered search and browser market is experiencing rapid growth as businesses and consumers increasingly adopt AI technologies for enhanced efficiency and personalization.
Globally, the market was valued at approximately $9.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $46.7 billion by 2030, driven by machine learning, natural language processing, and AI-assisted search functionalities.
In the browser space, Chrome continues to dominate, but competitors include Microsoft’s Edge and Bing, and emerging AI-driven platforms like Neeva, You.com, and Perplexity’s own upcoming browser, Comet.
Talking Points
It is striking that Perplexity has made a bold move with a $34.5 billion offer to acquire Google Chrome, challenging one of the most dominant tech ecosystems in the world.
This approach underscores how AI-driven startups are increasingly willing to confront established giants in search and browsing markets.
This single action positions Perplexity as a serious player in the browser wars, especially at a time when Google faces ongoing antitrust scrutiny in the United States.
At Techparley, we see how moves like this could reshape the competitive landscape. If regulators consider divestment remedies, startups like Perplexity could gain opportunities to expand their footprint in sectors traditionally dominated by tech giants.
The outcome of this offer could influence broader discussions around competition, innovation, and AI integration in search and browser technologies.
