Key Stats
Google stands as one of the world’s most influential technology companies, fundamentally transforming how billions of people access and interact with information. Founded by Larry Page and Sergey Brin at Stanford University, the company revolutionized internet search through its innovative PageRank algorithm that analyzed website relationships rather than simple keyword matching.
The company operates through multiple business segments including Google Services, Google Cloud, and Other Bets. Its search engine processes trillions of queries annually while platforms like YouTube, Android, and Chrome have become integral to modern digital life.
In 2015, Google restructured into Alphabet to better organize its diverse ventures. The company generates revenue primarily through digital advertising across search and display networks, though cloud computing and subscription services represent rapidly growing segments. Alphabet invests heavily in artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles through Waymo, and other emerging technologies that position it at the forefront of innovation.
Google History
Google Co-founders
Google Revenue
Alphabet generated $350 billion in revenue during 2024, demonstrating consistent growth across its business segments. The company’s revenue engine remains dominated by advertising, though diversification continues.
Google Market Capitalization
Alphabet’s market capitalization reached $3.4 trillion in November 2025, positioning it as the world’s fourth most valuable company behind Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia.
Google Acquisitions
Google has completed over 200 acquisitions since its founding, strategically acquiring companies to expand capabilities and enter new markets. These purchases transformed Google from a search engine into a diversified technology conglomerate.
The YouTube acquisition in 2006 for $1.65 billion stands as one of technology’s most successful deals. Initially criticized as overpriced, YouTube generated over $40 billion annually by 2024, becoming the dominant video platform globally. The DoubleClick purchase in 2007 for $3.1 billion established Google’s display advertising dominance by combining search advertising strength with sophisticated publisher relationships.
Motorola Mobility represented Google’s largest acquisition at $12.5 billion in 2011, primarily securing patents to defend Android against lawsuits. Though Google sold the hardware division to Lenovo for $2.9 billion in 2014, retaining most patents achieved the strategic objective of protecting Android’s ecosystem expansion.
The 2014 DeepMind acquisition for approximately $625 million brought world-class artificial intelligence research capabilities. DeepMind’s breakthroughs in machine learning and neural networks now power many Google products, from search improvements to healthcare applications. Nest Labs joined for $3.2 billion the same year, positioning Google in smart home technology though profitability challenges emerged.
Recent major acquisitions focus on cloud infrastructure and security. Mandiant joined for $5.4 billion in 2022, bringing cybersecurity expertise that strengthened Google Cloud’s enterprise credentials. The 2025 announcement of acquiring Wiz for $32 billion represents Alphabet’s largest purchase ever, doubling down on cloud security as competition with Amazon and Microsoft intensifies. These strategic moves demonstrate Alphabet’s commitment to competing across multiple technology sectors while defending and extending its advertising business foundations.
Google Competitors
Alphabet faces intense competition across its business segments from major technology companies and specialized competitors.
| Company | Primary Competition Area |
|---|---|
| Microsoft | Cloud computing, AI, productivity software, search |
| Amazon | Cloud infrastructure, digital advertising, smart home |
| Meta Platforms | Digital advertising, social media, AI development |
| Apple | Mobile operating systems, hardware devices, services |
| Baidu | Search engine, AI technology, autonomous vehicles |
| Oracle | Cloud database services, enterprise software |
| Salesforce | Cloud CRM, enterprise applications |
| OpenAI | Artificial intelligence models, chatbots |
| TikTok | Video advertising, user attention, content discovery |
| Netflix | Video streaming, advertising, content distribution |
FAQs
When was Google founded?
Google was incorporated on September 4, 1998, by Larry Page and Sergey Brin while they were PhD students at Stanford University in California.
What is Google’s parent company?
Alphabet Inc became Google’s parent company in October 2015 through corporate restructuring. Google operates as Alphabet’s largest subsidiary alongside other ventures like Waymo and Verily.
How does Google make money?
Google generates approximately 77% of revenue from advertising across Search, YouTube, and display networks. Cloud computing services, hardware sales, and subscription services contribute the remaining revenue.
Who is the current CEO of Google?
Sundar Pichai serves as CEO of both Google and parent company Alphabet. He assumed the Google CEO role in 2015 and added Alphabet CEO responsibilities in 2019.
What was Google’s largest acquisition?
Alphabet announced acquiring cloud security company Wiz for $32 billion in 2025, making it the largest acquisition in company history, surpassing Motorola Mobility’s $12.5 billion purchase.