The Crazy Story of Google’s 7 Angel investors

Who were the first angel investors in Google?

The early investors in Google were a diverse group, ranging from tech pioneers to unexpected celebrities. Here's a look at the seven key figures who believed in Google's potential long before it became a household name:

• Andy Bechtolsheim: Co-founder of Sun Microsystems, he famously wrote a $100,000 check to Google before the company was even incorporated.

• David Cheriton: A Stanford professor nicknamed the 'billionaire professor', he invested early due to his insight into innovative tech.

• Ron Conway: A renowned angel investor with a vast network, his persistence in securing Google as an investment opportunity was crucial.

• Jeff Bezos: The Amazon founder also saw the potential and invested $250K, perhaps understanding the synergy between search and e-commerce.

• Shaquille O’Neal: The basketball superstar invested after a chance meeting, illustrating the role of serendipity in tech investments.

• Susan Wojcicki: Initially renting her garage to Google's founders, she became an early employee and played a significant role in the company's growth.

• Larry Page and Sergey Brin: While not angel investors themselves, their vision and entrepreneurship attracted these early backers.

This fascinating blend of backgrounds and circumstances underscores the unpredictability and potential of angel investing in tech, especially in a fertile ground like Silicon Valley.

How did Andy Bechtolsheim's investment in Google happen?

Andy Bechtolsheim, known for co-founding Sun Microsystems, made an iconic bet on Google. One morning, an email from two Stanford students caught his attention. These students were Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google's future founders. They pitched an innovative search engine concept.

"Guys, this is the best idea I've ever seen," Bechtolsheim remarked.

Intrigued, he arranged to meet them. Outside in a parking lot, Page and Brin demonstrated Google on a modest laptop. The search results left him astounded. Skipping detailed negotiations, Andy retrieved his checkbook.

Without an agreement on a company value or any other formalities, he wrote a check for $100,000. It was made out simply to "Google Inc.," a name they hadn't officially incorporated yet.

"Take the money, start building," he stated, driving away in his Porsche.

That spontaneous act turned into one of the most legendary investments of the tech world. Today, Google's value has surpassed trillions, making Bechtolsheim's early trust and foresight monumental.

What role did David Cheriton play in Google's early days?

David Cheriton, a Stanford professor, became one of Google's earliest backers and is sometimes referred to as the 'billionaire professor'.

• Backed by his insight into pioneering technology, he decided to invest in Google's promising search engine, seeing its potential before many others did.

• His commitment to innovation and technology wasn't just limited to Google. Cheriton was earlier involved in other successful ventures too, notably benefiting from angel investing in tech.

• Despite his wealth, David is known for his modest lifestyle and dislike of typical billionaire excesses, favoring practicality over luxury. His investment choices and lifestyle exemplify his reputation and influence in Silicon Valley investment stories.

How did Ron Conway contribute to Google's success?

Ron Conway played a pivotal role in Google's inception. His strategic approach and vast network made him an influential figure in the company's early success. Three key aspects define his contribution:

1. Network Strategy: Conway's approach was to leverage his extensive network to identify promising investments in tech. This strategy allowed him to secure crucial investments for Google, even when traditional VCs hesitated.

2. Investment Philosophy: He focused on supporting founders, believing that aiding entrepreneurs would naturally yield financial rewards. His philosophy emphasized that backing the right people was more important than the immediate potential of their ideas.

3. Persistence and Generosity: Despite being initially turned down by Google, Conway persisted. His willingness to help without immediate gain earned him respect and trust. His actions exemplified the power of being benevolent, a tactic noted by many in Silicon Valley investment stories.

These strategies not only cemented Google’s success but also highlighted the broader importance of networking and generosity in angel investing in tech.

What unexpected investors were involved in Google?

The list of Google's early investors features some surprising and influential figures:

• Shaquille O’Neal: Known for his basketball prowess rather than tech investments, Shaq stumbled upon Google's potential through a playful encounter. While entertaining some children in a hotel lobby, he caught the attention of Ron Conway. Impressed by Shaq's charisma, Conway invited him to invest in Google. This unexpected chance turned Shaq's casual interaction into a significant financial success.

• Jeff Bezos: As Amazon's founder, he recognized the synergy between search and e-commerce early on. Bezos invested $250K into Google, understanding the potential impact that an efficient search engine could have on online shopping and consumer accessibility.

Their involvement highlights the unpredictable nature of angel investing in tech and underscores that even unconventional investors can play pivotal roles in Silicon Valley investment stories.

How did proximity and networking play a role in Google's early funding?

Proximity and networking were pivotal in Google's early funding, amplifying Silicon Valley's renowned ecosystem. Being in the heart of startup culture allowed serendipitous encounters. For instance, at a holiday party, Ron Conway bumped into David Cheriton, a Stanford professor. Cheriton mentioned his recent investment in two promising students, sparking Conway's interest. Such chance meetings exemplify how proximity creates opportunities.

"Our strategy is we don't invest anymore. Like our strategy is, I think it's over. I don't know what to do," Conway remarked during the dot-com burst, highlighting his adaptability and connections.

Moreover, relationships blossomed in Silicon Valley's vibrant community. From Ron Conway's notorious benevolence to Jeff Bezos spotting e-commerce potential in early Google investors, connections mattered.

Proximity not only accelerated interactions but also bred trust among key players. This dynamic environment ensured that those like Shaquille O'Neal could stumble into investments by merely babysitting in a hotel lobby. These stories affirm that in Silicon Valley, being present often means being in the right place at the right time. For more on impactful networking practices, explore the frontier spirit in venture capital.