Perplexity AI CEO Aravind Srinivas made a daring provide to purchase Google Chrome, however the place will he get the funds? Discover out extra.

Perplexity AI CEO Aravind Srinivas has supplied a hefty $34.5 billion (over ₹3,02,152 crore) provide to amass Google Chrome, that too in money. Reuters reported the information on August 12, revealing some essential particulars. Notably, that is an unsolicited bid, which means Google did not ask for it, reflecting Perplexity’s robust curiosity within the acquisition.

Importantly, Perplexity’s valuation is $18 billion (in keeping with CNBC), making the bid almost twice its worth. Individuals may surprise the place Aravind Srinivas would discover the additional funds to meet the bid. And why is Perplexity occupied with buying Google Chrome within the first place? And why danger the stakes for the bid? Be taught extra.

Why Is Perplexity AI Eyeing Google Chrome?

Earlier than Perplexity, others have proven large curiosity in Google Chrome, together with OpenAI, Yahoo, and Apollo World Administration. The objective is kind of clear. Perplexity goals to achieve Google Chrome’s 3 billion customers. If the deal ever occurs, Perplexity might compete immediately with OpenAI and different main gamers within the trade. Though Perplexity already has its personal AI browser, Comet, it is nonetheless comparatively new and never as widespread as Google Chrome.

Why Perplexity’s $34.5 Billion Supply Is Inconceivable?

Even when Google is ever compelled to promote Google Chrome, the provide is an inconceivable one to take. In accordance with DuckDuckGo’s CEO, Gabriel Weinberg, Google Chrome’s value could possibly be at the least $50 billion. And Perplexity’s $34.5 billion is considerably in need of that quantity.

Why Did Perplexity AI Make An Supply Now to Google?

Google faces important authorized points within the U.S., as a federal choose acknowledged that Google infringed Part 2 of the Sherman Antitrust Act by sustaining an unfair monopoly within the search engine market. Whereas the Division of Justice is pursuing the lawsuit, there’s a likelihood that Google will promote Google Chrome, which is why Perplexity needs to grab the chance. Right here’s what Perplexity intends to do:

• It needs to take a position round $3 billion in Chrome within the subsequent 2 years.
• It needs to maintain Chrome’s code open-source, which means anybody is free to make use of and construct on the “Chromium.”
• It needs to maintain Chrome’s default search engine settings the identical (no modifications), so Google Search will nonetheless stay the default.
• It needs to “protect person selection” to scale back the monopoly issues.

How can Perplexity Even Afford to Pay The Supplied $34.5 Billion In Money?

Understanding the timeline of Perplexity is important. Aravind Srinivas, CEO of Perplexity (from Chennai and an IIT Madras alumnus), beforehand labored at Google and interned below AI pioneer Yoshua Bengio.

Later, he co-founded Perplexity (with Denis Yarats, Johnny Ho, and Andy Konwinski)in San Francisco in 2022, and the corporate has lately gained consideration. In India, the device gained recognition after partnering with Bharti Airtel in Could 2025. The deal gave 360 million Indian customers a year-long free entry to its Professional companies. The model is pretty new to amass such a big quantity ($34.5 billion) in money.

Reportedly, Perplexity raised round $1 billion from main traders like Nvidia and SoftBank. Moreover, Perplexity claims they’ve a number of funding funds which have proven curiosity in financing your entire $34.5 billion. Perplexity is reluctant to reveal additional particulars on who’s offering these funds.

Closing Ideas…

There are a number of impossibilities hooked up to the present situation. Primarily, it is uncertain that Google would promote Chrome as it is a key a part of their AI (“Overviews”). Likewise, it is extremely unlikely for Google to promote Chrome for $34.5 billion. What do you assume? Will Perplexity rise and provide greater than $50 billion (Google Chrome’s valuation), or will it stay simply one other daring bid?

WIDGET: questionnaire | CAMPAIGN: Easy Questionnaire