Exclusive: Google removes 'underrepresented' language from its grant website

Google has made significant changes to its Google for Startups Founders Fund, which previously supported underrepresented founders with monetary grants, mentorship, and product support. The website now uses past tense to describe these programs and indicates that there are currently no available fund programs. This shift comes amid increasing political and legal scrutiny on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Google plans to focus on AI startups in the U.S. in 2025, while continuing to support past cohorts in its alumni community.

Additionally, Google has altered the language on its program web pages, removing references to "underrepresented" communities and instead focusing on "innovators." This change aligns with broader adjustments by tech companies like Meta and Amazon, who are responding to pressure from the Trump administration to roll back DEI programs. The legal landscape for grant programs targeting specific underrepresented communities has become challenging, with companies like Fearless Fund and PayPal facing lawsuits over alleged discrimination.

Key takeaways

Google has shifted its focus from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs to AI-focused startups, with no current grant programs available for underrepresented founders.
The language on the Google for Startups Founders Fund webpage has changed, removing references to "underrepresented" communities and focusing on "innovators" instead.
Google and other tech companies are adjusting their DEI activities and language due to political pressure and legal challenges, with Google removing DEI mentions from its annual 10-K filing.
U.S. grant programs targeting specific underrepresented communities are facing legal challenges, with companies like Fearless Fund and PayPal involved in lawsuits over alleged discrimination.

Exclusive: Google removes 'underrepresented' language from its grant website

Key takeaways

Discussion (0)