Perplexity Unveils AI-Powered "Comet" Browser, CEO Srinivas Rejects Big Tech Acquisition Amidst $14 Billion Valuation Talks

Perplexity, the AI-powered search engine, has launched its new "Comet" browser, an AI-first platform designed to go beyond traditional chatbots and handle real-world tasks. The announcement comes as Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas firmly stated his company's intent to remain independent, shunning potential acquisition by Big Tech giants like Meta and Google, even as the company reportedly seeks a $14 billion valuation in its next funding round.

Srinivas, in an interview with CNBC's Deirdre Bosa, emphasized Comet's ambition to become a "true AI operating system." He highlighted its ability to perform complex workflows, from managing emails and controlling smart home devices to conducting deep research, aiming to transform day-to-day browsing into an agentic experience. "The browser entirely changes things from like, you know, chat interactions to end-to-end workflows," Srinivas explained.

The CEO articulated Perplexity's strategic vision to offer a viable alternative to Google's dominant ecosystem, including Chrome, Search, and Assistant. "Our goal is actually to give an alternative to the world to Google," Srinivas stated, asserting that "AI is the first time there's opportunity for a new player to come and disrupt the existing market." This stance comes amidst a trend of "acquihire" deals where larger tech companies absorb startups primarily for their talent.

Addressing the competitive landscape and the ongoing "AI talent wars," Srinivas noted that Perplexity does not compete directly for top-tier AI researchers focused on frontier models. Instead, the company focuses on "grooming new talent" and tackling "differentiated problems," such as building models capable of controlling browser functions like tab management, document uploads, and form filling. He believes this approach allows Perplexity to thrive without engaging in the high-stakes talent bidding wars.

The company plans to implement a usage-based pricing model for advanced "Comet" features, while basic functionalities will remain free. Srinivas confirmed that Perplexity is not in urgent need of capital, having already secured substantial funding, and is prioritizing user retention and infrastructure scaling for the new browser. He also touched upon the potential for open-source AI models to democratize access to advanced AI capabilities, benefiting companies like Perplexity that can post-train and deploy these models.