FAQ

What is the focus of the fund?

Google Ventures is broadly interested in startups in industries including consumer Internet, software, hardware, clean-tech, bio-tech, health care and others. First and foremost, we're looking for entrepreneurs who are tackling problems in creative and innovative ways. As a venture fund, however, we're also looking for investments with the potential for significant financial return.

How much capital does Google Ventures invest?

We're able to invest amounts ranging from seed funding to tens of millions of dollars, depending on the stage of the opportunity and the company's need for capital.

Does Google Ventures co-invest with other venture firms?

Yes, we welcome the opportunity to co-invest along with outstanding venture or strategic partners.

How involved is Google Ventures with its portfolio companies?

We believe that our active involvement will help to create value, so we look to work with management teams to maximize the impact of our investment and their technology or innovation.

Does Google Ventures require a commercial arrangement with Google in order to make an investment?

Not at all. We make our investment decisions independent of a company's relationship (or lack thereof) with Google. We don't require our portfolio companies to work with Google in any special way, although we certainly think there is a lot to be gained by doing so. Our goal is to invest in the most promising and interesting entrepreneurial opportunities, and to build great companies, period.

Will other groups within Google still be making their own investments?

Google Ventures is Google's primary vehicle for venture-style investments.

Is Google Ventures simply a strategic vehicle to make future acquisitions easier?

No, it isn't. Acquisitions by Google of portfolio companies are possible, but this is not the goal or focus of our investment activities. Our focus is building great companies and generating long term financial return.

Will you require your portfolio companies to use Google products?

No. We will, of course, provide whatever support is necessary to help our portfolio companies grow, but this support won't necessarily involve any strategic placement of Google products or parallel commercial agreements.

Does Google Ventures have a geographical focus?

Google Ventures is limiting its investment activities to companies within North America at this time. While Google is a global company, and we realize innovation happens around the world, this is a new fund and a small team, so we had to impose some geographical focus in order to maximize our effectiveness.