Software company Atlassian has agreed to purchase The Browser Co., maker of AI-powered web browsers, for $610 million in cash. The deal is expected to close by December, according to a report by Jordan Novet for CNBC.
The Browser Co., founded in 2019, developed two browsers competing against Google Chrome and Apple Safari. Its Arc browser features customizable tabs, built-in whiteboards, and automatic archiving. The newer Dia browser includes an AI assistant that can discuss multiple open tabs simultaneously.
Atlassian CEO Mike Cannon-Brookes said traditional browsers poorly serve workplace productivity. “Whatever it is that you’re actually doing in your browser is not particularly well served by a browser that was built in the name to browse,” he explained.
However, The Browser Co. struggled with user adoption. Only a small percentage of Arc users utilized its specialized features, leading the startup to halt new feature development. The company was valued at $550 million last year, with investors including Atlassian Ventures and Salesforce Ventures.
See also our comprehensive overview of AI-enhanced browsers.
