In a surprising move, artificial intelligence start-up Perplexity AI has submitted a $34.5 billion bid to acquire Google Chrome, the world’s most widely used web browser. Backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and chipmaker Nvidia, the three-year-old company is led by a former Google and OpenAI executive.
While the offer has drawn attention, some technology investors have dismissed it as a “stunt,” noting that Chrome’s true value far exceeds the bid and that it is unclear whether Google intends to sell. Google has not commented publicly on the proposal.
Context and Industry Reactions
Perplexity’s bid comes amid growing scrutiny of Google’s dominance in search and online advertising. A U.S. federal judge is expected to rule this month on whether Google must restructure parts of its business, including potential breakups. Google has stated it would appeal any ruling mandating a Chrome spin-off, describing the idea as “unprecedented” and potentially harmful to consumers and security.
Chrome currently serves roughly three billion users worldwide. Perplexity has indicated that, if approved, the browser would remain user-focused, with Google staying as the default search engine, and support for the open-source Chromium platform maintained. In a letter to Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, Perplexity emphasized its commitment to “user safety, choice, and continuity.”
Despite these assurances, industry experts remain skeptical. Judith MacKenzie of Downing Fund Managers called the offer “unsolicited and not yet funded,” while investor Heath Ahrens described it as “nowhere near Chrome’s true value,” noting that a much higher bid would be required to change market dynamics. Tomasz Tunguz of Theory Ventures estimated Chrome could be worth “ten times more than the bid.”
About Perplexity AI
Perplexity AI is a rising player in the generative AI sector, alongside companies such as OpenAI and Google’s Gemini. Recently, it launched Comet, an AI-powered web browser. However, the company has faced legal scrutiny, including a copyright dispute with the BBC over alleged verbatim use of its content.
Earlier this year, Perplexity also made headlines by proposing to acquire the U.S. version of TikTok amid ongoing regulatory pressure. The company’s bold moves underline its ambition to expand rapidly in both AI and digital platforms, though questions remain over the feasibility of its high-profile bids.
By seeking to acquire Chrome, Perplexity is positioning itself at the intersection of AI innovation and mainstream web usage, signaling its intent to influence the future of digital browsing on a global scale.