August 13, 2025 — In one of the most unexpected moves in recent tech history, AI search startup Perplexity has reportedly offered Google more than $34 billion to acquire its popular web browser, Google Chrome—despite Perplexity’s own market valuation standing at roughly $18 billion.
Industry insiders say the bid, if confirmed, signals Perplexity’s aggressive ambition to leapfrog competitors in the online search and browsing ecosystem. Chrome, which commands a global browser market share of over 60%, would give the AI-powered search company an unparalleled user base and direct access to billions of daily searches.
Why the Move?
Perplexity has been positioning itself as a next-generation search alternative, integrating conversational AI responses with real-time web data. Owning a browser like Chrome would allow it to deeply embed its AI engine into the browsing experience—effectively bypassing Google Search on Google’s own platform.
Analysts suggest that Perplexity’s offer might involve a mix of cash, stock, and financing partnerships, as the AI firm does not have the liquidity to pay $34 billion outright. Some speculate it could be a strategic “signal bid” aimed at gaining negotiating leverage, visibility, or even pushing Google into partnerships rather than a full sale.
Challenges Ahead
- Unlikely Approval: Google is widely expected to reject any such proposal, not only because Chrome is a strategic cornerstone of its advertising and search dominance, but also because antitrust regulators would heavily scrutinize a transfer of this scale.
- Financial Feasibility: With Perplexity’s valuation nearly half of the offer price, funding such a deal would require unprecedented investor confidence and backing.
- Integration Risk: Even if somehow approved, the operational and technical integration of Chrome’s infrastructure into Perplexity’s AI ecosystem would be a mammoth task.
What It Means for Users
While a Perplexity-owned Chrome could theoretically offer a more AI-centric, privacy-focused browsing experience, it also raises questions about data control, monetization, and the future of search dominance on the web.
For now, the offer remains an eye-catching headline in Silicon Valley—a bold play that underlines just how high the stakes have become in the battle for the future of search and browsing.
