AI Startup Makes Unexpected Multibillion-Dollar Bid for Leading Web Browser
An artificial intelligence (AI) startup known as Perplexity AI has dropped a bombshell by making an unexpected $34.5 billion bid for the world's top web browser. This bold move has taken many by surprise and sparked a flurry of discussions in the tech industry.
Founded just three years ago, Perplexity AI has some high-profile backers, including the founder of a major online retail company and a leading chipset manufacturer. The company is led by a veteran of the tech industry, who has previously worked with tech giants including Google and OpenAI.
Industry Reactions to the Bid
Responses to the bid have been mixed in the tech industry. One tech investor has dismissed the offer as a "publicity stunt," arguing the proposed figure is far less than the true value of the web browser. Additionally, this investor pointed out the ambiguity of the browser's sale status.
There is an ongoing legal case that might force the browser's parent company to split up its search business. The company has vowed to fight such a decision, contending that the notion of separating the browser from the rest of its business is an "unprecedented proposal" that would negatively impact both consumers and security.
Perplexity's Standpoint
Despite the controversy, Perplexity AI insists that its bid represents a significant commitment to the open web, user choice, and continuity for every user of the browser, which boasts of an estimated user base of three billion.
In a letter sent to the CEO of the parent company, Perplexity argued that moving the browser to an independent operator that prioritizes user safety would be beneficial to the public. However, details about how this proposed deal would be financed remain unclear.
Valuation and Speculations
Speculations about the browser's valuation have been rife. Some industry experts suggest that the browser might be worth "maybe ten times more than the bid or more." Others have hinted that the bid might be more serious if it were tripled by tech luminaries.
Perplexity's Place in the AI Race
Perplexity AI is regarded as one of the rising forces in the generative AI landscape. They recently launched an AI-powered browser called Comet. The company has, however, been implicated in some controversies, particularly with media organizations accusing it of infringing on copyright rules.
Earlier in the year, the company made the news for its attempt to acquire the American version of a popular social media platform. If the proposed takeover goes through, Perplexity AI plans to keep the current default search engine. Users will, however, have the option to modify their settings.
Perplexity also pledged to continue supporting Chromium, an open-source platform that backs the browser in question, along with other browsers.