Perplexity AI’s $34.5B Bid for Google Chrome Sparks Industry Skepticism

Perplexity AI, a Jeff Bezos-backed artificial intelligence startup, has made an unsolicited $34.5 billion offer to acquire Google Chrome. The bold move targets the world's most dominant web browser amid growing antitrust scrutiny of Google's search and advertising empire.

Industry observers immediately questioned the proposal's viability. "This is an unfunded stunt," said technology investor Heath Ahrens, noting the bid dramatically undervalues Chrome's three-billion-user ecosystem. Downing Fund Managers' Judith MacKenzie praised the audacity but highlighted the lack of committed financing.

The bid comes as Google faces dual U.S. antitrust cases. Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas, a former Google and OpenAI engineer, positioned the offer as promoting web openness. Market analysts remain skeptical about regulatory approval prospects for such a transformative acquisition in the tech sector.