Perplexity Wants To By Google Chrome For $34.5B
In a jaw-dropping move, AI search engine Perplexity has thrown its hat into the ring with a $34.5 billion cash offer to buy Google’s Chrome browser, as reported by Reuters and confirmed to TechCrunch. This isn’t just a bold play—it’s a seismic shift in the tech landscape, and it’s got everyone talking. Perplexity, a startup valued at $18 billion, is reaching far beyond its weight class to snag the world’s most popular browser. Let’s unpack this wild development and what it means for the future of search, browsers, and AI.
A Startup’s Big Gamble
Perplexity’s offer comes out of left field, especially since it’s more than double the company’s current valuation and dwarfs the $1.5 billion it’s raised from investors, according to Pitchbook. The San Francisco-based startup, led by CEO Aravind Srinivas, isn’t messing around. They’re promising to keep Chrome’s underlying engine, Chromium, open source and even toss in $3 billion to keep it thriving. That’s a hefty commitment for a company that’s still finding its footing in the AI search game.
What’s more, Perplexity says it won’t mess with Chrome’s user defaults. That means Google would stay the default search engine for Chrome users, not Perplexity’s AI-powered search. It’s a surprising concession, but it shows they’re playing the long game, trying to win over regulators and users alike.
Why Chrome? Why Now?
This bid didn’t just come out of nowhere. Back in March, the Department of Justice dropped a bombshell, proposing that Google be forced to sell Chrome after a judge ruled the tech giant illegally maintained a monopoly in online search. Google’s fighting tooth and nail to keep Chrome, but the court might set terms for a sale as early as this month. If that happens, Perplexity’s not alone in eyeing the prize—OpenAI’s reportedly interested, and with Chrome commanding a 68% market share (per Statcounter), you can bet other global players will jump in.
DuckDuckGo’s CEO testified in April that Chrome could be worth upwards of $50 billion, per Bloomberg. If Perplexity pulls this off for $34.5 billion, it’d be a steal. But here’s the kicker: Perplexity’s offer is way more than they’ve got in the bank. How they’d finance this is anyone’s guess, but it’s clear they’re betting big on Chrome’s dominance.
Perplexity’s Broader Ambitions
A Browser of Their Own
Here’s where it gets even more interesting. Perplexity isn’t just sitting around waiting for Chrome. Last month, they launched their own browser, Comet, to push their AI search engine without relying on Google’s ecosystem. It’s a gutsy move, considering Google’s their biggest rival. Comet’s a direct shot at building a platform where Perplexity can control the user experience from start to finish.
TikTok in the Mix?
Oh, and by the way, Perplexity’s also reportedly made a bid to merge with TikTok. Yeah, you read that right. The startup’s playing 4D chess, juggling a Chrome acquisition, a new browser, and a potential TikTok deal all at once. It’s ambitious, maybe even a little crazy, but it’s the kind of hustle that makes Silicon Valley what it is.
Key Points to Know
- Massive Offer: Perplexity’s $34.5 billion cash bid for Chrome is more than double its $18 billion valuation.
- Open Source Commitment: They’re promising to keep Chromium open source and invest $3 billion in it.
- No Default Changes: Google would remain Chrome’s default search engine, not Perplexity’s AI search.
- DOJ Pressure: The bid follows a DOJ proposal to force Google to sell Chrome due to monopoly concerns.
- Chrome’s Value: DuckDuckGo’s CEO estimated Chrome’s worth at $50 billion, making Perplexity’s offer a potential bargain.
- Perplexity’s Moves: The startup launched its own browser, Comet, and reportedly bid for TikTok.
What’s Next?
Google hasn’t commented yet, and TechCrunch says they’ll update if the tech giant responds. For now, Perplexity’s bid is a bold statement of intent. They’re not just trying to compete with Google—they’re trying to reshape the internet. If the DOJ forces a Chrome sale, the bidding war could get intense, with players like OpenAI and others likely to join the fray.
Perplexity’s got big dreams, but pulling this off won’t be easy. They’re a startup, not a tech titan, and funding a $34.5 billion deal is no small feat. Plus, regulators will scrutinize every move to ensure the browser market doesn’t just swap one monopoly for another. Still, you’ve got to admire the audacity. Perplexity’s not just playing the game—they’re trying to rewrite the rules.
As for Chrome users, nothing’s changing yet. Your browser’s still Google’s, and Google’s fighting to keep it that way. But if Perplexity’s bid gains traction, or if the courts force a sale, we could be looking at a whole new era for browsing and search. Keep your eyes peeled—this story’s just getting started.
