Perplexity AI Eyes Chrome Acquisition, Chases $20 Billion Valuation

Perplexity AI, the AI-powered search engine, continues to make bold moves less than three years after its inception. The startup is preparing to raise funds based on a valuation of $20 billion. Simultaneously, it has submitted a $34.5 billion offer to acquire Google Chrome, the world’s leading web browser, amid ongoing legal challenges faced by Google.

In Brief

• Perplexity AI targets a $20 billion valuation and has quadrupled its annual revenue within a year.
• The company offers $34.5 billion to acquire Google Chrome, which holds over 60% of the global browser market share.
• This acquisition bid occurs amid antitrust scrutiny of Google by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Record Valuation: How Perplexity AI Excites the AI Market

In January 2024, Perplexity AI was valued at $520 million. Less than two years later, the company has experienced explosive growth:
• A valuation soaring to $20 billion, marking an increase of +3,746%.
• Recurring annual revenue exceeding $150 million, up from $35 million the previous year.
The startup counts heavyweight investors such as SoftBank, Nvidia, and Jeff Bezos among its backers. Its unique ability to combine advanced AI language models with real-time web search has attracted 22 million monthly users and continues to draw new funding.

Perplexity: A $34.5 Billion Bet to Acquire Google Chrome

On August 12, 2025, alongside its $20 billion valuation announcement, Perplexity AI surprised the market by submitting an unsolicited $34.5 billion offer to acquire Google Chrome. This browser dominates over 60% of the global market. This bold move comes amid a legal battle between Google and the U.S. Department of Justice, which may soon require Google to divest Chrome to curb its dominance in online search. Perplexity AI, founded in 2022, proposed an acquisition price exceeding its own valuation. To finance this operation, it secured commitments from several major venture capital funds, though it has not disclosed their identities. Since its founding, Perplexity has raised approximately $1.5 billion.

Behind the Chrome Acquisition: Visionary Strategy or Publicity Stunt?

The Chrome acquisition bid has sparked debate. Some analysts interpret it as a strategic move to capture a massive market share and integrate a globally adopted product. Others see it as a publicity stunt designed to attract talent, investors, and users. Rumors of a potential partnership with Apple, which is perceived as lagging in AI, have surfaced but were denied by Perplexity. Like Bitcoin’s challenge to central banks, Perplexity AI is positioning itself at the forefront of the battle for the future of search and web browsing. Perplexity AI asserts itself as a bold challenger to tech giants. With record fundraising and a colossal bet on Chrome, the startup aims to reshape the landscape of web search and AI browsers, potentially disrupting the global market balance. As AI technologies evolve rapidly—such as OpenAI’s AI integration with Netflix—one might soon be able to select movies on Prime Video powered by Perplexity’s AI.

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Source: Perplexity AI Eyes Chrome Acquisition, Chases $20 Billion Valuation by Eddy Senga, Cointribune, August 15, 2025.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Perplexity AI's Business Strategy

Q: What is Perplexity AI's primary business model? A: Perplexity AI operates as an AI-powered search engine, aiming to revolutionize how users find information by combining advanced AI language models with real-time web search. Q: What is Perplexity AI's current valuation? A: Perplexity AI is preparing to raise funds based on a valuation of $20 billion. Q: How has Perplexity AI's revenue grown recently? A: The company has quadrupled its annual revenue within the past year, exceeding $150 million. Q: Who are some of Perplexity AI's notable investors? A: Perplexity AI's investors include heavyweight names such as SoftBank, Nvidia, and Jeff Bezos.

The Google Chrome Acquisition Bid

Q: What is Perplexity AI's offer for Google Chrome? A: Perplexity AI has submitted a $34.5 billion offer to acquire Google Chrome. Q: Why is Perplexity AI attempting to acquire Google Chrome? A: This bid comes amid antitrust scrutiny of Google by the U.S. Department of Justice, which may force Google to divest Chrome. Perplexity AI sees this as an opportunity to gain significant market share. Q: How would Perplexity AI finance the acquisition of Google Chrome? A: The startup has secured commitments from several major venture capital funds to finance the operation, though their identities have not been disclosed.

Market Position and Future Outlook

Q: What is Perplexity AI's perceived market strategy? A: Analysts view the Chrome acquisition bid as either a visionary strategy to capture market share and integrate a widely adopted product, or as a publicity stunt to attract talent, investors, and users. Q: What is Perplexity AI's stance on potential partnerships? A: Perplexity AI has denied rumors of a potential partnership with Apple. Q: How does Perplexity AI position itself against tech giants? A: Perplexity AI positions itself as a bold challenger to tech giants, aiming to reshape the web search and AI browser landscape, similar to how Bitcoin challenged central banks.

Crypto Market AI's Take

This ambitious move by Perplexity AI highlights the disruptive potential of AI in various sectors, including search and web browsing. The company's rapid growth and significant investor backing underscore the increasing importance of AI-driven solutions. In the broader tech and crypto landscape, we've seen similar innovative leaps, such as the integration of AI into trading strategies. At Crypto Market AI, we leverage artificial intelligence to provide cutting-edge market intelligence and automated trading solutions, enabling users to navigate the complexities of the digital asset space with greater efficiency and insight. For those interested in how AI is transforming finance, exploring our AI Agents section can offer valuable perspectives.

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