The tech world is buzzing after Perplexity AI, a rapidly growing AI-powered search startup, made headlines with a $34.5 billion all-cash offer to acquire Google Chrome. This bold move, led by the company’s Indian-origin CEO Aravind Srinivas, could potentially reshape the global browser and AI ecosystem.
A Bold Move from Perplexity AI
Perplexity AI’s offer is not just about owning the world’s most popular web browser — it’s about redefining how people search, browse, and access information. According to CEO Aravind Srinivas, if the deal goes through:
- Google Chrome will remain open-source, ensuring transparency and developer contributions.
- Google Search will stay as the default search engine.
- Perplexity will invest $3 billion over the next two years to enhance Chrome’s features and performance.
This could be a strategic masterstroke, merging Chrome’s massive user base with Perplexity AI’s advanced AI-driven search capabilities.
Also, read What Is Airtel Perplexity Pro Offer and How Can You Get It?
Why Google Chrome Could Be in Play
While Google has not expressed any intention to sell Chrome, there’s growing antitrust pressure from the U.S. Justice Department, which recently ruled that Google’s dominance in the search market is anti-competitive. If regulators push for changes, selling Chrome could be one of Google’s strategic options — opening the door for Perplexity AI’s ambitious proposal.
About Perplexity AI
Founded in 2022 by Aravind Srinivas, Denis Yarats, Johnny Ho, and Andy Konwinski, Perplexity AI has quickly become a serious competitor in the AI-powered search engine space.
Key Facts:
- Funding: Over $1 billion raised from major investors like Nvidia and SoftBank.
- User Growth: Millions of active users globally.
- India Expansion: Partnership with Bharti Airtel to give 360 million users free access to Perplexity Pro.
Also read, Perplexity CEO Claims AI Browser Could Replace Two Essential White-Collar Jobs
Potential Impact on the Browser Market
If Perplexity AI succeeds in acquiring Chrome, it could:
| Impact Area | Possible Outcome |
|---|---|
| AI Integration | Deep AI features directly in the browser for smarter searches |
| Competition | Stronger challenge to Google’s core search business |
| User Benefits | Faster browsing, AI-driven personalization, privacy-first features |
| Open-Source Community | Increased innovation with global developer involvement |
Is This the Best Tech Deal of 2025?
While this is still just an offer, the potential merger of Perplexity AI and Google Chrome would be one of the biggest tech deals in history. It could also accelerate the adoption of AI-first browsing worldwide, making 2025 a landmark year for internet technology.
Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available information and does not confirm the authenticity of any ongoing negotiations. For official details, refer to statements from Perplexity AI and Google.
Source:
Hindustan Times – Indian-origin man offers over ₹3,02,152 crore to Google just to buy Chrome
