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.