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In a move that could reshape the global browser and AI search landscape, Indian-origin entrepreneur Aravind Srinivas, CEO of Perplexity AI, has shocked the tech world by making an unsolicited $34.5 billion (₹3,02,152 crore) all-cash offer to acquire Google Chrome — the world’s most widely used web browser.

The bid comes as Google faces intense antitrust scrutiny in the United States, with the Department of Justice pushing remedies to dismantle what a federal court has labelled an unlawful monopoly in online search. One potential remedy: forcing Google to divest Chrome, a browser with more than three billion users worldwide.

🚀 A Young Challenger with Big Ambitions

Founded in 2022, Perplexity AI is a rising star in conversational search, offering real-time, citation-backed answers. Despite being valued at just $18 billion, the startup has raised over $1 billion from backers like Nvidia and SoftBank. According to insiders, the acquisition bid is fully financed by multiple investment funds, with no equity component — a structure designed to minimise antitrust hurdles.

“This is about continuity and choice for users,” said a Perplexity spokesperson, pledging to keep Chromium open-source and invest $3 billion in Chrome’s development over two years.

🧠 Aravind Srinivas: The Indian Tech Maverick

Born in Chennai and a graduate of IIT Madras, Srinivas is a former Google employee and AI researcher who interned under deep learning pioneer Yoshua Bengio. Under his leadership, Perplexity AI has expanded rapidly, including a May 2025 partnership with Bharti Airtel, giving 360 million Indian users free access to Perplexity AI Pro.

A recent viral photo showing Srinivas with Prime Minister Narendra Modi has amplified his image as a symbol of the global rise of Indian-origin tech leaders.

⚖️ The Regulatory Storm

The timing of Perplexity AI’s bid is critical. A federal judge is expected to decide soon on the remedies in the Google antitrust case. If divestiture is ordered, it could spark one of the largest corporate breakups in tech history.

Rivals like OpenAI, Yahoo, Apollo Global Management, and even privacy-focused DuckDuckGo are reportedly circling Chrome. DuckDuckGo’s CEO estimates Chrome’s sale value could exceed $50 billion, suggesting Perplexity’s offer may be bold — but undervalued.

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🌐 Why Chrome Is the Crown Jewel

Chrome is more than just a browser — it’s a key revenue driver for Google’s $300 billion advertising empire. By tracking user behaviour and integrating AI-driven search features, Chrome is a core pillar of Google’s dominance. Losing it would significantly weaken Google’s control over the search and AI markets.

For Perplexity AI, buying Chrome could instantly catapult it into a dominant position, giving the startup a direct pathway to billions of users and supercharging its competition with OpenAI and other AI search challengers.

🔮 What’s Next?

Google has yet to comment, and is likely to appeal any divestiture ruling. Whether Srinivas’ ambitious move materialises or not, it marks a historic moment in the AI arms race — one where the balance of power is shifting toward new, agile players led by bold innovators.