AI startup Perplexity's valuation rose to $20 billion in fresh funding talks. It's a $2 billion jump from its last fundraise in July.

CNBC's MacKenzie Sigalos reports on news regarding Perplexity.

Artificial intelligence search startup Perplexity AI Inc. is reported to be seeking to raise new funding on a $20 billion valuation, a month after the company last raised $100 million on an $18 billion valuation.

Perplexity tells TechCrunch the terms of the offer include a commitment to keep Chrome’s underlying engine, Chromium, open source and to invest $3 billion into it.

The AI search startup looks less like an acquirer and more like a company to be acquired, but its CEO understands that optics matter.

There is so much capital floating around in the artificial intelligence sphere currently that even a cash-poor firm like Perplexity can secure enough investment to splurge on Chrome. Reuters reports that the all-cash offer is funded by various venture funds, but Perplexity has not offered specifics.