Perplexity Bids $34.5B for Chrome Amid Google Antitrust Scrutiny

AI Startup Perplexity Eyes Google Chrome with $34.5 Billion Offer

Perplexity, an AI startup focused on search technology, has made a bold move by offering $34.5 billion to acquire Google's Chrome browser. This bid surfaces amid ongoing antitrust concerns surrounding Google's dominance in the internet search market, as reported by Bloomberg.

Key Takeaways:

• Perplexity has offered $34.5 billion to acquire Google’s Chrome browser amidst antitrust pressures.
• The AI firm plans to invest $3 billion into Chrome and Chromium over two years if the deal proceeds, and extend employment offers to Chrome’s current team.

The offer is timed with ongoing antitrust proceedings against Google, which include allegations of an illegal monopoly on internet search. Potential remedies proposed by the U.S. government include forcing Google to divest Chrome and share search data with competitors.

Strategic Positioning Amidst Regulatory Scrutiny

Perplexity's bid appears strategic, positioning the company to capitalize on a potential forced sale of Chrome due to Google’s antitrust case. District Judge Amit Mehta is expected to soon issue directives aimed at addressing Google's market power.

Notably, Perplexity is not the only tech firm eyeing Chrome. OpenAI has also reportedly expressed interest in acquiring Chrome should antitrust regulators force Google to divest it.

OpenAI's Browser Ambitions

Under Sam Altman, OpenAI is reportedly developing an AI-enhanced browser incorporating ChatGPT and AI agents, signaling a direct challenge to Chrome’s market share. This is in parallel to Perplexity, which is developing its own AI-driven browser named Comet, showcasing a competitive push in AI-integrated browsing experiences.

Dmitry Shevelenko, Chief Business Officer at Perplexity, stated that multiple investment funds have committed to financing the entire acquisition. Perplexity recently raised $100 million, valuing the company at $18 billion.

Commitments to Chrome's Stability

Perplexity has pledged not to implement “stealth modifications” to Chrome, ensuring continued stability for both users and advertisers. The company commits to investing $3 billion over two years to enhance Chrome and the Chromium open-source project. Furthermore, Perplexity intends to offer positions to a significant number of Chrome's existing employees, signaling a commitment to maintaining and building on the browser's existing talent pool.