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GV, the VC team backed by Google, has a broad remit, but it can't do one thing | TechCrunch

Dec 25, 2024 - techcrunch.com
David Krane, CEO of GV, oversees a venture firm funded by Google with $1 billion annually, allowing his team to invest in numerous companies with minimal restrictions. Over the past five years, GV has invested in 800 companies, totaling over $10 billion in its 15-year history. While GV's largest single investment was $258 million in Uber's Series C round in 2013, it continues to make significant investments, such as $140 million in Cribl's Series E round. GV primarily invests for financial returns, focusing on the U.S. and Europe, and splits its investments between life sciences, health care, biotech, and a broad "digital" category. The firm maintains a clear boundary with Alphabet's CapitalG, avoiding direct competition and ensuring smooth communication between the two.

GV does not actively encourage Google employees to leave and start companies, but it does occasionally invest in startups founded by former Google employees. Krane acknowledges that while Google prefers employees to stay and develop transformative products, some inevitably leave to pursue startups, and GV may become involved in those ventures. This approach keeps former employees connected to Google while allowing them to explore entrepreneurial opportunities. Krane emphasizes that the goal is to maintain a strong relationship with Google, even as some employees transition to new ventures.

Key takeaways:

  • GV, led by CEO David Krane, has invested in 800 companies over the past five years and more than $10 billion throughout its 15-year history, with notable investments like Uber's $258 million Series C round.
  • GV operates with significant autonomy, focusing on life sciences, health care, biotech, and a broad "digital" category, primarily investing in the U.S. and Europe.
  • GV and Alphabet's growth stage outfit, CapitalG, avoid conflicts by maintaining good communication, despite both investing in companies like Stripe and Cribl.
  • While GV does not actively encourage Google employees to leave and start companies, it does invest in startups founded by former Google employees, maintaining a connection to Alphabet's talent network.
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