Rapid Rise in the AI Search Industry
Perplexity, a leading developer in AI-powered search engines, has finalized a latest funding round valuing the company at
$20 billion, according to a report by The Information. This milestone is the culmination of explosive growth since its founding in 2022, positioning Perplexity as a serious challenger to established search giants and accelerating the pace of innovation in the sector[3][1][4].
Funding Details and Financial Milestones
- Perplexity’s new valuation marks a $2 billion increase since July 2025 and an astonishing 3,746% jump since January 2024, when it was just $520 million[2][5].
- The company is reportedly seeking up to $500 million in fresh capital for this round, with investors including SoftBank, Nvidia, and Jeff Bezos[1][4].
- Annual recurring revenue soared above $150 million by mid-2025, quadrupling from around $35 million one year earlier[2][4].
- Monthly active users climbed to 22 million, based on DemandSage data[2][5].
Strategic Moves: Chrome Acquisition Bid and Browser Expansion
Perplexity recently made headlines with an unsolicited
$34.5 billion bid to acquire the popular Google Chrome browser, aiming to capitalize on regulatory pressures possibly forcing Google to divest the asset[2][5]. The company intends to finance the bid with backing from its major investors. While Google has made no indications of accepting any offers, industry analysts see the move as a savvy strategy for attracting attention, talent, and investment[2][5].
Perplexity has also launched its own
AI-powered browser, Comet, adding momentum to its campaign to reshape how users engage with web search and information retrieval[2][5].
Competitive Landscape and Industry Impact
- Perplexity's core AI-driven search platform is often compared to rivals like ChatGPT and major incumbents such as Google[1][4].
- Other companies, including OpenAI, Apollo Global Management, and Yahoo, have reportedly shown interest in Chrome if Google is forced to sell[5].
- Apple has also been advised by some analysts to consider acquiring Perplexity amid its surge in valuation and influence[4].
Conclusion: Investor Confidence and Future Outlook
The latest valuation and strategic maneuvers highlight rising investor confidence in Perplexity’s mission to revolutionize the AI search market. The startup’s growth trajectory signals broader shifts in how web search and browser technology will be shaped by artificial intelligence—while underscoring that competition among top platforms is entering a transformative phase[1][2][4].
