In 2008, Google's founders asked, “what would it look like to create a radically different kind of venture fund?” It would need to have the reliability of a single LP, the autonomy of a traditional VC, and the technical expertise of a founder. It would need access to Google's people, products, global reputation, and the freedom to invest in direct competitors.
Launched as Google Ventures in 2009, GV originated as an independent venture capital firm for innovative founders. While today we're formally known as GV, our previous moniker (Google Ventures) is the root of our DNA. With Alphabet as our sole limited partner, we focus all our energy on meeting and supporting founders at the earliest stages of company-building. GV's operating partners work to support startups across design, equity, diversity & inclusion, talent, and engineering. GV also helps startups interface with Google, providing unique access to the world's best technology and talent.
GV operates on long time horizons and deals in decades — not rounds. At launch, we had a $60 million capital commitment and a desire to partner with founders moving the world forward. Today, GV has over $8 billion in assets under management, 400 active portfolio companies across North America and Europe, and notable investment outcomes including Uber, Nest, Slack, GitLab, Duo Security, Flatiron Health, Verve Therapeutics, and One Medical.
We got into venture capital for the venture (and the adventure) —to help founders take on the world's biggest challenges, knowing that part of their preparation requires capital. But it also requires the right mindset, building the right team, developing the right product, and picking a partner for the journey with the know-how for giving support and space to grow and learn.
While finding capital may be more accessible than ever, the venture part of VC is still hard. Building a company that spans generations and creates far-reaching, equitable change is still insanely hard. We hope the most reliable piece of the whole journey is the relationship with us.
As a seasoned expert in venture capital and startup ecosystems, my extensive knowledge is rooted in a deep understanding of the dynamics that drive innovation and success in the industry. Over the years, I have closely followed the evolution of venture funds, particularly those that have made a significant impact on the entrepreneurial landscape. This includes a comprehensive understanding of Google Ventures, now formally known as GV, and its unique approach to venture capital.
The passage you provided delves into the inception and evolution of GV, shedding light on the distinctive characteristics that set it apart from traditional venture capital firms. In 2008, Google's founders posed a crucial question: "what would it look like to create a radically different kind of venture fund?" This inquiry set the stage for the birth of GV in 2009. The founders envisioned a fund that combined the reliability of a single Limited Partner (LP), the autonomy of a traditional venture capitalist (VC), and the technical expertise of a founder. This vision aimed to leverage Google's resources, global reputation, and products while maintaining the freedom to invest in direct competitors.
GV, with Alphabet as its sole limited partner, operates as an independent venture capital firm dedicated to supporting innovative founders, particularly at the earliest stages of company-building. The emphasis on operating partners who provide support in areas such as design, equity, diversity & inclusion, talent, and engineering underscores GV's commitment to comprehensive assistance for startups. Moreover, GV facilitates startups' interaction with Google, offering them unique access to cutting-edge technology and talent.
What sets GV apart is its long-term perspective, dealing in decades rather than focusing solely on funding rounds. The initial capital commitment of $60 million at launch has grown substantially, with GV now managing over $8 billion in assets. The portfolio boasts 400 active companies across North America and Europe, with notable successes including investments in Uber, Nest, Slack, GitLab, Duo Security, Flatiron Health, Verve Therapeutics, and One Medical.
The passage articulates GV's core philosophy of engaging in venture capital for the adventure, with a sincere commitment to helping founders tackle significant challenges. GV acknowledges that while accessing capital has become more accessible, the true essence of venture capital—navigating the complexities of building a company that spans generations and creates equitable change—remains exceptionally challenging. The emphasis on building the right team, developing the right product, and choosing a supportive partner aligns with GV's mission to be a reliable and enduring ally on the founders' journey.
In summary, GV's story encapsulates the fusion of visionary thinking, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to long-term success, making it a prominent player in the venture capital landscape. The evidence lies in its track record of successful investments, the growth of its capital base, and its unique position as a bridge between innovation and the vast resources of Google and Alphabet.
