Google funds anyones development
Well, Google does it again. On 6.27.2007, Google announced the launch of Google Gadget Ventures . This is another example of innovative thinking that has made Google who they are today.
Read more about Google Gadget Ventures
Google is providing Grants and investments into companies that have developed Google Gadgets, which are receiving at least 250k weekly page views.
First, we’ll invite promising gadget developers (individuals or businesses) to apply for $5,000 grants to fund further development. These are not loans or equity investments; they’re simply grants for gadgets that already have a thriving user base and we think have potential for even more improvement.
Secondly, the program will make $100,000 seed investments in companies that either start as a Google Gadget or have a large Google Gadget component.
This seems like a very cleaver way to to recruit talent. This effort allows Google to perform an interview with an individual or company by observing the following:
- the development of your project over time
- how you handle maintenance of the project
- its acceptance to the public
- how you manage the initial Grant, if you get it (likely will determine if you get to the second investment)
The other hug benefit is the wealth of potential ideas that could come out of this project. There are lots of developers that have great ideas but don’t have the resources to implement them and this effort may change that for some of them.
This could also insure Google’s involvement in what could be the next BIG idea. Read the last item in the faq.
There are some limitations in that this program is for the creation of Google Gadgets but Google Gadget Venture is still a very good idea.
