Perplexity Bids Over Double Its Valuation to Acquire Chrome
▼ Summary
– Google may be forced to sell its Chrome browser due to antitrust rulings, with Perplexity making a $34.5 billion offer despite lacking sufficient cash.
– Perplexity, an AI-powered search company valued at $14 billion, has raised $1 billion in funding but cannot afford the offer on its own.
– The $34.5 billion bid is backed by venture funds, though Perplexity hasn’t disclosed specific financial details.
– Competitors like OpenAI expressed interest in acquiring Chrome during the trial, countering Google’s claim that no one could manage the browser.
– OpenAI proposed transforming Chrome into an AI-first product if it acquired the browser, highlighting industry demand for the asset.
Google may soon face a major shakeup as antitrust rulings could force the tech giant to divest its Chrome browser, with AI startup Perplexity emerging as an unexpected bidder. The company has reportedly made a staggering $34.5 billion all-cash offer, more than double its current $14 billion valuation, despite lacking sufficient funds. This bold move highlights the intense competition brewing in the browser market amid shifting regulatory and technological landscapes.
Perplexity, known for its AI-driven search tools and Comet browser, has capitalized on investor enthusiasm for artificial intelligence, raising approximately $1 billion to date. The discrepancy between its valuation and the Chrome bid raises questions about financing, with reports suggesting backing from multiple venture capital firms. While specifics remain undisclosed, the offer underscores how AI-focused companies are leveraging market momentum to pursue ambitious acquisitions.
During recent antitrust proceedings, several tech firms expressed interest in acquiring Chrome, challenging Google’s argument that no competitor could effectively manage the browser. OpenAI executives, for instance, testified about plans to transform Chrome into an AI-centric platform if given the opportunity. These developments signal a potential turning point for the browser industry, where AI integration could redefine user experiences and market dynamics.
The situation remains fluid, with regulatory decisions pending and financial details unclear. Yet Perplexity’s aggressive bid reflects a broader trend of AI startups positioning themselves as disruptors in established tech sectors. Whether this gamble pays off depends on regulatory approvals, investor confidence, and the ability to deliver on bold promises.
(Source: Ars Technica)
