Google is Founded: September 27, 1998

On September 27, 1998, Google was officially founded by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, two Ph.D. students at Stanford University. This event marked the beginning of what would become one of the most influential technology companies in the world.

Background

• Larry Page and Sergey Brin: The duo met at Stanford University in the mid-1990s. Both were pursuing their Ph.D. in computer science and shared a keen interest in the structure and organization of information on the internet.

• The Idea: Page and Brin developed a search algorithm initially called “Backrub,” which was designed to rank web pages based on their relevance and importance. This algorithm was revolutionary because it analyzed the relationships between websites, rather than just the content on individual pages.

Key Developments Leading to the Founding

• Development of the Algorithm: The algorithm that would become the backbone of Google was developed in 1996. It was unique in its ability to provide more accurate search results by considering the number and quality of links to a page.

• Initial Funding: In 1998, Page and Brin received their first major investment of $100,000 from Andy Bechtolsheim, co-founder of Sun Microsystems, which allowed them to formally establish the company.

• Incorporation: Google was incorporated on September 4, 1998, but the company celebrates its official founding on September 27, which marks the anniversary of a significant milestone in its early growth.

Significance and Impact

• Growth and Expansion: From its humble beginnings in a garage in Menlo Park, California, Google rapidly expanded. By the early 2000s, it had become the dominant search engine, known for its speed, accuracy, and user-friendly interface.

• Innovation: Google’s success is attributed to its continuous innovation, including the development of new products and services such as Google AdWords, Gmail, Google Maps, and the Android operating system.

• Cultural and Economic Influence: Google has profoundly impacted how information is accessed and consumed globally. It has also played a significant role in the digital advertising industry, reshaping how businesses reach consumers.

Legacy

Today, Google is a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., a multinational conglomerate. It remains a leader in technology and innovation, with a mission to “organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.” The founding of Google on September 27, 1998, is a pivotal moment in the history of the internet, marking the rise of a company that continues to shape the digital landscape.