A viral post claims that Aravind Srinivas, the Indian CEO of Perplexity AI, has placed a $34.5 billion bid to buy Google Chrome. The rumor has spread widely online, but a closer look reveals. Here’s what we found in our fact check.
In a move that has stunned the tech industry, Aravind Srinivas, CEO of AI-powered search startup Perplexity AI, has submitted an unsolicited $34.5 billion offer to acquire Google Chrome, the world’s most widely used web browser.
According to Reuters and Al Jazeera, the proposal was sent directly to Google CEO Sundar Pichai in the form of a formal acquisition letter.
A Bold Attempt to Reshape the Web
Perplexity AI, known for its conversational AI search engine, has rapidly risen as a challenger to Google Search. By bidding for Chrome — which commands more than 65% of the global browser market share — Srinivas aims to integrate Perplexity’s AI-driven search and browsing tools directly into a platform used by billions.
Industry analysts believe that if successful, this move could disrupt the dominance of traditional keyword-based search and usher in a new era of AI-first web navigation.
Why Chrome?
Chrome is more than just a browser — it’s a central hub for Google’s ecosystem, serving as the default gateway for Gmail, YouTube, Google Docs, and Search.
Owning Chrome would allow Perplexity to:
- Directly control the browsing experience of billions of users.
- Bypass Google Search dominance by integrating AI answers into the browser itself.
- Monetize browsing behavior in innovative, privacy-focused ways that appeal to younger, tech-savvy audiences.
How Realistic Is This Bid?
While the offer is serious, experts are skeptical about Google agreeing to sell Chrome — a cornerstone of its online presence. Livemint notes that Chrome’s integration with Google Search and ads is a major revenue driver, making it strategically invaluable.
Still, this bold public move may be as much about branding and visibility for Perplexity as it is about an actual acquisition. By making headlines worldwide, Perplexity positions itself as a fearless disruptor willing to challenge Big Tech directly.
Who is Aravind Srinivas?
Aravind Srinivas, born on June 7, 1994, in Chennai, India, is an Indian computer scientist and entrepreneur, best known as the CEO and co-founder of Perplexity AI. He earned dual degrees (B.Tech and M.Tech) in electrical engineering from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras. Later, he pursued a Ph.D. in computer science at the University of California, Berkeley, specializing in deep learning, vision models, and natural language processing.
Before founding Perplexity AI in 2022, Srinivas gained extensive experience in AI research, working at top organizations such as OpenAI, Google Brain, and DeepMind. His roles included internships and research positions where he contributed to advancements in machine learning, transformers for vision, and large-scale learning models. Under his leadership, Perplexity AI, which offers an AI-powered conversational search engine, has attracted significant funding from investors like Jeff Bezos, Nvidia, and others, achieving a valuation of around $9 billion by 2025. Srinivas was also named one of the TIME100 Most Influential People in AI in 2024.
Industry Reactions
The tech world has been buzzing since the announcement:
- Investors see this as a clever PR strategy to boost Perplexity’s valuation ahead of a potential IPO.
- Competitors like Microsoft and DuckDuckGo are watching closely, as any changes to Chrome could reshape search competition.
- Users on social media are divided — some excited for an AI-driven browser revolution, others concerned about the implications for privacy and data control.
What’s Next?
Google has not officially responded to the offer. Given the complexity of selling such a critical product, even if talks were to occur, the process would involve regulatory scrutiny, antitrust reviews, and significant negotiations.
Whether or not the deal happens, Perplexity has succeeded in forcing the conversation about the future of browsers, search engines, and AI integration into the mainstream.
For more on his company’s background, see Perplexity AI news coverage on TechCrunch.
FAQs
A1: Yes. Multiple credible outlets including Reuters, Al Jazeera, and Fortune confirm the $34.5 billion unsolicited bid.
A2: He is the co-founder and CEO of Perplexity AI, an AI-powered search platform based in the US.
A3: Google Chrome is a core product of Alphabet Inc. and is deeply integrated with its ecosystem, making it unlikely to be sold.
A4: Industry experts believe it’s highly unlikely, as Chrome is strategically vital to Google’s ecosystem.
A5: It could integrate AI search directly into browsing, potentially changing how billions access information online.
