Perplexity AI, the developer of an AI-powered search engine, is reportedly preparing for a new funding round aiming for a $20 billion valuation. This substantial capital infusion could support the company’s recent unsolicited $34.5 billion offer to acquire the Google Chrome browser.
The proposed $20 billion valuation marks a $2 billion increase from Perplexity’s previous $18 billion valuation in July 2025. This represents a remarkable 3,746% surge in the company’s worth since January 2024, when it was valued at $520 million.
Perplexity’s bid for Google Chrome comes amidst an ongoing antitrust case against Google. A U.S. district court judge is expected to rule soon, potentially forcing Google to divest Chrome to mitigate its dominance in the web search market. Beyond Perplexity, other significant players reportedly interested in acquiring Google’s browser include OpenAI, Apollo Global Management, and Yahoo.
The company has experienced rapid growth, achieving an annual recurring revenue of $80 million and attracting 22 million monthly active users, according to data from DemandSage.
The competition in the web search market is intensifying with the rise of AI. AI models like ChatGPT and Gemini frequently leverage internet sources, providing citations to enhance their credibility. In July 2025, OpenAI announced plans for its own web browser to compete with Google Chrome. Perplexity has already launched its AI browser, named Comet.
Web browsers, including Chrome, have been targets for hackers. Notably, in October 2024, the Lazarus Group exploited a Chrome vulnerability via an NFT game. Earlier, in June 2024, hackers utilized a Chrome plugin to steal from Binance accounts.
