Perplexity AI Seeks $20B Valuation for $34.5B Chrome Acquisition Bid
Perplexity AI is preparing a new funding round targeting a $20 billion valuation to back its unsolicited $34.5 billion Chrome acquisition bid amid a US antitrust case. Perplexity AI’s rapid expansion—from a January 2024 valuation of $520 million to $18 billion by July 2025—stems from $80 million in annual recurring revenue and 22 million monthly active users, boosted by the launch of its Comet AI browser. OpenAI, Apollo Global Management and Yahoo are also eyeing the Chrome acquisition, underlining fierce competition in the browser market. Traders should note that Chrome vulnerabilities have powered NFT game exploits and Binance account hacks via malicious plugins, highlighting security risks for Web3 users.
Neutral
Although Perplexity AI’s $20 billion funding and $34.5 billion Chrome acquisition bid signal strong investor interest in AI and browser competition, the news lacks direct influence on any specific cryptocurrency’s price. The focus remains on corporate financing and antitrust dynamics rather than token economics. While heightened security concerns from Chrome vulnerabilities may affect Web3 access, they do not materially impact crypto market valuations in the short term. Consequently, the market response is likely to stay neutral.