Ambitious Move from a Fast-Rising AI Player

On August 12, 2025, Perplexity AI shocked the tech world by announcing an unsolicited $34.5 billion all-cash offer to buy Google’s Chrome browser from Alphabet. This proposal is nearly twice Perplexity’s own estimated valuation and comes as U.S. regulators consider forcing Google to divest parts of its search empire over antitrust violations.

Led by CEO Aravind Srinivas, Perplexity is known for high-profile bids. Earlier this year, it made headlines with a $50 billion proposal to merge with TikTok’s U.S. operations. The Chrome bid, however, aligns more closely with Perplexity’s mission—reshaping how people search online through AI integration.

Why Chrome is the Ultimate Prize

With over three billion active users worldwide, Chrome is not just the most popular browser—it’s a critical gateway for internet searches, data flows, and AI-powered experiences.
Owning a major browser offers:

• Direct access to user behavior

• Valuable data streams

• A powerful distribution channel

For Perplexity, Chrome could drive massive traffic and serve as a ready-made platform to showcase AI-driven search capabilities. In a world where AI assistants are starting to replace keyword searches, browser ownership could shift the balance of power.

Financing an Outsized Acquisition

Perplexity claims to have secured preliminary commitments from undisclosed VC firms and investment funds. Still, analysts remain skeptical.

• Current valuation: $14–18 billion

• Bid amount: $34.5 billion

While financing is possible, the economics require new revenue streams or a long-term strategy—especially since Chrome is free for consumers.

Key Terms of the Offer

1. Open-source pledge – Chromium will remain open-source.

2. $3 billion investment – Planned over two years to enhance the browser.

3. Search continuity – Google Search stays as Chrome’s default engine.

These measures aim to address regulatory concerns while signaling Perplexity’s intent to innovate without dismantling the ecosystem.

Regulatory Timing & Antitrust Factor

The bid coincides with the DOJ’s antitrust case against Google, where Judge Amit Mehta ruled in 2024 that Google unlawfully monopolized online search. A potential remedy includes the forced sale of Chrome.

However, appeals could delay any sale for years, leading some to question whether Perplexity’s bid is more about attention and influence than an immediate deal.

Pattern of Bold, Public Bids

This move mirrors Perplexity’s earlier TikTok US offer—swift, highly public, and strategically timed. Although that deal never closed, it raised the company’s profile. The Chrome bid strengthens Perplexity’s image as a daring challenger to Big Tech.

Industry Reaction: Curiosity & Caution

Reactions are mixed:

• Some believe Chrome’s value to Google makes a sale improbable.

• Others think that if regulators force a sale, bigger players like OpenAI could outbid Perplexity.

Regardless, Perplexity has succeeded in keeping its brand in the spotlight and associating itself with the future of AI search.

What Happens Next

The industry awaits Judge Mehta’s decision on remedies in the DOJ case. If Chrome is ordered to be sold, the process will involve lengthy negotiations and reviews, with multiple bidders likely.

Perplexity insists it is “ready to act immediately” if given the chance. Win or lose, its $34.5 billion bid marks a turning point in AI search competition—where controlling the web’s entry point may be as valuable as the AI engines themselves.