Perplexity the artificial intelligence search company has been drawing attention with their recent release of a new browser, Comet. Our new AI-powered browser helps users make search work for them. It further distinguishes itself from Google’s control and the omnipresent Chrome browser. In a dramatic twist, Perplexity just made an unsolicited purchase offer for Chrome. To that end, they pledge to put at least $3 billion in investments to ensure its underlying technology remains open source.
The launch of Comet marks a turning point in Perplexity’s strategic long-term goal to expand its AI search venture on its own. As for web browsing, the company plans to develop their own browser. To that end, this move brings TSC onto its own unique platform, outside of Google’s ecosystem. This decision is in accordance with their long-stated vision to deliver improved generative AI-based search functionality outside the confines of current day-to-day competitive pressures.
Perplexity’s acquisition bid for Chrome is particularly ambitious, given that Duck Duck Go’s CEO previously testified that Chrome could be valued at “upwards of $50 billion.” With Perplexity’s extraordinary funding successes, it finds itself in a favorable place in the tech landscape. The company has $1.5 billion in the bank to date. According to Bloomberg, their most recent extension round added $100 million in new capital and increased their valuation to $18 billion.
In its proposal, Perplexity has promised to keep Chromium, the open-source engine that underpins Chrome, open-source. To that end, the company is making an investment of national significance. This ensures that developers and users alike will continue to benefit from continuous, cutting-edge improvements and innovations. This commitment to open source aligns with broader trends in the technology industry, which increasingly values transparency and collaborative development.
Last month, Perplexity submitted a bid to merge with TikTok, further diversifying its portfolio and ambition in the tech sector. Techcrunch notes that this merger proposal is an ideal match with Perplexity’s strategy. Combined, they are desperately trying to strengthen their power over global artificial intelligence and internet search.
Technology field is rapidly changing Perplexity is causing a stir as it opens up Comet and pursues an aggressive bidding strategy, marking a competitive turning point in the field. The firm looks to be taking the fight right to incumbents, and to pursuing the open-source software development model.