The Incorporation of Google in 1998

Name: The Incorporation of Google in 1998
Start: 1998-09-04
Location: Unspecified

The Birth of Google

In 1998, a significant milestone in the tech world occurred when Google Inc. was formally incorporated by two ambitious students from Stanford University, Larry Page and Sergey Brin. This event marked the beginning of what would become one of the most influential tech companies in history. Larry and Sergey had started developing a search engine as part of their research project, demonstrating a new way of indexing and retrieving information on the internet.

The initial project, called "Backrub," used a novel algorithm that analyzed the relationships between websites, ultimately leading to search results that were more relevant to users. This innovative approach captured the attention of both their peers and the tech community, setting the stage for the emergence of Google as a powerhouse.

Founders of Google: Larry Page and Sergey Brin

Larry Page and Sergey Brin were not just classmates; their collaboration stemmed from a shared vision of improving internet search capabilities. Both born in the late 1970s, Page in Michigan and Brin in Moscow, their paths converged at Stanford, where their passion for technology and entrepreneurship blossomed. As they worked together, their contrasting strengths complemented one another, paving the way for Google’s future success.

The Vision Behind Google

Both founders believed that the internet should be easier to navigate and that users deserved more accurate search results. They aimed to create a service that prioritized quality and user experience, fundamentally changing how information was accessed online. This vision laid the groundwork for Google’s famous motto, "Don’t be evil," emphasizing the company’s commitment to providing value to users.

From Start-Up to Industry Leader

After incorporation, Google quickly began to attract attention and investment. Within a few years, it evolved from a simple search engine to a multi-faceted company offering various products, including email, cloud storage, and advertising services.

The Early Days of Google Search

The early days of Google search were characterized by a clean interface and an emphasis on speed, which were major differentiators from existing search engines. This approach resonated with users and contributed to its rapid growth, as millions began relying on Google to find information.

Investor Interest and Growth

Following their incorporation, prominent investors, including Andy Bechtolsheim and Sequoia Capital, recognized Google’s potential and provided essential funding, allowing the company to scale operations. This investment enabled further development of their search technology and the launch of new services.

Fun Fact

The Name "Google" and Its Origin

Interestingly, the name "Google" is a play on the word "googol," which refers to the number 1 followed by 100 zeros. This reflects the founders' mission to organize a vast amount of information available on the web and make it universally accessible and useful.