Weekly Tech Recap: Global Bids, African Startups, and AI

Global players were making big moves this week in tech, while African startups continued to remain resilient and innovative. From Perplexity’s unexpected $34.5 billion Chrome bid to Glovo’s new startup venture in Nigeria, and from Google’s AI talent push to Chowdeck’s $9 million funding, the continent and the world are both witnessing transformative changes. Here’s your complete recap:

Perplexity Stuns Tech Industry with $34.5bn Google Chrome Offer

Perplexity, the AI-powered search engine, has moved bigtime by offering to acquire Google Chrome, the world’s leading browser, for $34.5 billion. If successful, the merger would radically reshape the way the world uses and accesses the web. The move is a signal of growing pressure on Google’s dominance, with Perplexity positioning itself as a real threat in AI-driven search.

But regulators also caution that obstacles in the way of regulation could derail, or even stop, the deal. Antitrust concerns will be top on the agenda, especially with Chrome’s staggering global market share. Whatever the outcome, the bid is a sign that Perplexity is serious about sitting at the top table, forcing Google and other AI search competitors to re-strategize.

Glovo Opens Startup Campus in Nigeria

Spanish on-demand delivery giant Glovo has unveiled its Startup Campus initiative in Nigeria, which will offer African founders direct access to mentorship, foreign investors, and networking. The initiative was rolled out at GITEX Africa in Morocco, one of the continent’s biggest tech events.

Spanish on-demand delivery giant Glovo has unveiled its Startup Campus initiative in Nigeria, which will offer African founders direct access to mentorship, foreign investors, and networking. The initiative was rolled out at GITEX Africa in Morocco, one of the continent’s biggest tech events.

Google Opens Up AI Training to Nigerians

Google is deepening its investment in Africa’s future with its “Build with AI” initiative, offering free training in AI to young talent in Nigeria. Through GOMYCODE, Google seeks to equip thousands of individuals with practical skills in generative AI, machine learning, and applied data science.

This expansion reflects the growing consciousness of Africa as a hub of untapped tech potential. By training African developers, entrepreneurs, and students, Google is trying to fill the gap in technical skills and create a new ecosystem of AI-enabled startups across the continent. It also falls into the long-term strategy of Google to cultivate local innovation that is plugged into its worldwide ecosystem.

Chowdeck Raises $9M to Scale Quick Commerce

Nigerian rapid commerce firm Chowdeck raised $9 million in a new funding round, securing the backing of both local and international investors. The company, which deals with meal delivery, grocery delivery, and everyday essentials delivery in record time, has quickly become one of the most talked-about consumer technology startups in West Africa.

The new capital, Chowdeck will utilize to expand its delivery network, enhance customer experience, and move closer to the vision of becoming Africa’s first outright “super app.” The funding is a deafening testament to investor faith in the digital economy of Africa where commerce driven by convenience continues to attract huge funding even in the face of global setbacks in tech funding.