Wondering who owns Google?
This article is for you.
Google is owned by its parent company, Alphabet Inc. Since its restructuring in 2015, Google has become a subsidiary of Alphabet, which oversees its core businesses including search, YouTube, and Android.
This article breaks down the ownership structure of Google and Alphabet, detailing major shareholders, financial performance, market share, and competition.
History of Google
Google’s journey began in 1998 when Stanford University students Larry Page and Sergey Brin launched a search engine designed to organize the world’s information. Originally named “Backrub,” it was rebranded as “Google,” a play on the mathematical term “googol,” reflecting their mission to manage infinite data.
In its early years, Google revolutionized search with its PageRank algorithm, which ranked websites based on relevance and popularity. By 2000, it introduced AdWords, a groundbreaking advertising platform that became its primary revenue source. The company went public in 2004, solidifying its place as a tech giant.
Over the years, Google expanded beyond search. It acquired YouTube in 2006, launched Android in 2008, and introduced Chrome in 2009. The 2010s saw innovations like Google Drive, Google Maps, and the AI-powered Google Assistant. In 2015, it restructured under Alphabet Inc., allowing its diverse ventures—like Waymo (self-driving cars) and Verily (health tech)—to flourish independently.
Today, Google remains a leader in AI, cloud computing, and digital services, continually shaping how we interact with technology and information. From a dorm-room project to a global powerhouse, Google’s story is one of relentless innovation and ambition.
1995-1997: The Early Days
- 1995: Larry Page and Sergey Brin meet at Stanford University and begin collaborating on a search engine called Backrub.
- 1996: Backrub launches on Stanford’s servers, using the PageRank algorithm to rank web pages based on links.
- 1997: The name Google is officially adopted, inspired by the term “googol” (a 1 followed by 100 zeros).
1998: Google is Born
- Google Inc. is officially founded on September 4, 1998, in Menlo Park, California. The first Google Doodle is created to notify users of the founders’ absence during the Burning Man festival.
1999-2000: Rapid Growth
- 1999: Google moves to Palo Alto and secures $25 million in funding. It introduces its first major office culture perk: free food.
- 2000: Google launches AdWords, its advertising platform, and becomes the world’s largest search engine by indexing over 1 billion web pages.
2001-2004: Expanding Horizons
- 2001: Google hires Eric Schmidt as CEO, forming the iconic trio of Page, Brin, and Schmidt.
- 2002: AOL adopts Google’s search technology, boosting its user base.
- 2004: Google goes public on August 19, 2004, with an IPO that raises $1.67 billion. Gmail is launched with 1GB of free storage, a game-changer at the time.
2005-2007: Innovation Explosion
- 2005: Google Maps and Google Earth are introduced, revolutionizing navigation and geospatial data.
- 2006: Google acquires YouTube for $1.65 billion and launches Google Translate.
- 2007: Android is unveiled, and the Open Handset Alliance is formed to promote open-source mobile operating systems.
2008-2010: Dominance in Tech
- 2008: The first Android-powered phone, the T-Mobile G1 (HTC Dream), is released. Google Chrome, a fast and minimalist browser, is launched.
- 2009: Google Voice and Google Wave (later discontinued) are introduced.
- 2010: Google starts testing self-driving cars and launches Google Photos as part of Google+.
2011-2014: Beyond Search
- 2011: Larry Page becomes CEO, and Google+ is launched as a social network (later shut down in 2019).
- 2012: Google acquires Motorola Mobility for $12.5 billion and releases the Nexus 7 tablet.
- 2013: Google Glass is unveiled, and Chromecast is launched.
- 2014: Google acquires DeepMind, a leading AI research company.
2015-2017: Restructuring and AI Focus
- 2015: Google restructures under Alphabet Inc., with Sundar Pichai becoming CEO of Google. Projects like Waymo (self-driving cars) and Verily (health tech) are spun off.
- 2016: Google Assistant is launched, and the company introduces Pixel smartphones.
- 2017: Google’s AlphaGo AI defeats the world champion in the complex board game Go.
2018-2020: Cloud and Controversies
- 2018: Google faces scrutiny over data privacy and antitrust issues. It launches Google Duplex, an AI system capable of making phone calls.
- 2019: Google announces Stadia, a cloud gaming platform, and achieves quantum supremacy with its Sycamore processor.
- 2020: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerates Google’s focus on remote work tools like Google Meet and Google Classroom.
2021-2023: AI and Sustainability
- 2021: Google launches LaMDA, an advanced conversational AI, and invests heavily in sustainability, aiming for carbon neutrality.
- 2022: Google introduces Bard, its AI chatbot, and expands its AI integration into search and productivity tools.
- 2023: Google faces increasing competition in AI from OpenAI and Microsoft but continues to innovate with Gemini, its next-gen AI model.
2024-2025: The Future
- 2024: Google deepens its focus on AI-powered services, including enhanced search capabilities, personalized AI assistants, and advancements in quantum computing. It also expands its presence in healthcare and autonomous vehicles.
- 2025 (Projected): Google is expected to achieve breakthroughs in AI ethics, sustainability, and quantum computing, solidifying its role as a leader in shaping the future of technology.
Who Owns Google?
Alphabet Inc., Google’s parent company, is publicly traded on the Nasdaq stock exchange under the tickers GOOGL (Class A shares) and GOOG (Class C shares). The company has a dual-class share structure, which allows its founders and key executives to retain control despite owning a minority of the total shares.
Here’s a breakdown of the major shareholders of Google:
| Shareholder | Type | Stake | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Vanguard Group | Institutional Investor | ~7.5% | Largest shareholder; holds shares through index funds and ETFs. |
| BlackRock, Inc. | Institutional Investor | ~6.5% | Second-largest shareholder; major holdings through iShares ETFs. |
| Fidelity Investments | Institutional Investor | ~3.5% | Significant stake through mutual funds like the Fidelity 500 Index Fund. |
| Larry Page | Insider | ~6% | Co-founder; holds Class B shares with 10x voting power. |
| Sergey Brin | Insider | ~6% | Co-founder; holds Class B shares with 10x voting power. |
| Sundar Pichai | Insider | <1% | CEO of Alphabet and Google; holds a smaller stake but plays a key role. |
| Vanguard Index Funds | Mutual Fund | Part of Vanguard’s ~7.5% | Popular among retail investors for low-cost, diversified exposure. |
| Fidelity Contrafund | Mutual Fund | ~1.5% | Actively managed fund with a significant stake in Alphabet. |
| T. Rowe Price | Institutional Investor | ~1.5% | Major asset management firm with a notable stake in Alphabet. |
| State Street Corporation | Institutional Investor | ~3% | Known for SPDR ETFs; holds a significant portion of Alphabet shares. |
| Individual/Retail Investors | Individual | Collectively significant | Fragmented ownership through brokerage accounts and retirement plans. |
1. Institutional Investors
Institutional investors dominate Alphabet’s shareholder base, holding a significant portion of the company’s shares. These include asset management firms, pension funds, and investment companies.
a. The Vanguard Group
Stake: ~7.5% of Alphabet’s shares.
Influence: As a passive investor, Vanguard focuses on long-term growth rather than direct involvement in company operations.
Vanguard is one of the largest asset management firms globally and consistently ranks as Alphabet’s top shareholder. Its ownership is spread across various index funds and ETFs, such as the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) and Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund.
b. BlackRock, Inc.
Stake: ~6.5% of Alphabet’s shares.
Influence: Like Vanguard, BlackRock is a passive investor but wields significant influence due to its massive stake.
BlackRock is another giant in the asset management industry and a major shareholder in Alphabet. Its holdings are primarily through its iShares ETFs, including the iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV).
c. Fidelity Investments
Stake: ~3.5% of Alphabet’s shares.
Influence: Fidelity’s investment strategy is a mix of passive and active management, giving it a balanced approach to its holdings.
Fidelity is a leading mutual fund company and holds Alphabet shares through its various funds, such as the Fidelity 500 Index Fund.
2. Mutual Funds
Mutual funds also play a significant role in Alphabet’s ownership structure. These funds pool money from individual investors to purchase shares in large companies like Alphabet.
a. Vanguard Index Funds
A significant portion of Vanguard’s total stake is held through its index funds, which track major market indices like the S&P 500.
These funds are popular among retail investors seeking low-cost, diversified exposure to the stock market.
b. Fidelity Contrafund
Stake: ~1.5% of Alphabet’s shares.
The Fidelity Contrafund is one of the largest actively managed mutual funds and has consistently held Alphabet in its portfolio.
The fund’s managers actively select stocks, making it a key player in Alphabet’s shareholder base.
3. Insiders
Insiders include Alphabet’s founders, executives, and board members. While their ownership percentages are smaller compared to institutional investors, their influence is substantial due to their roles in the company.
a. Larry Page
Stake: ~6% of Alphabet’s shares.
Influence: Page’s voting power ensures he has a strong say in Alphabet’s strategic decisions.
Co-founder Larry Page remains one of the largest individual shareholders. Although he stepped down as CEO in 2019, he retains significant control through his Class B shares, which carry 10 votes per share.
b. Sergey Brin
Stake: ~6% of Alphabet’s shares.
Influence: Brin’s role as a co-founder and major shareholder makes him a key figure in Alphabet’s governance.
Like Page, Sergey Brin co-founded Google and holds a similar stake in Alphabet. He also retains Class B shares, giving him substantial voting power.
c. Sundar Pichai
Stake: Less than 1% of Alphabet’s shares.
Influence: Pichai’s leadership and vision are central to Alphabet’s continued growth and innovation.
As CEO of Alphabet and Google, Sundar Pichai holds a smaller stake but plays a critical role in the company’s day-to-day operations and long-term strategy.
4. Individual and Retail Investors
While institutional investors dominate, individual and retail investors also hold a portion of Alphabet’s shares. These investors purchase shares through brokerage accounts, retirement plans, or direct stock purchase programs.
- Stake: Collectively, individual investors own a significant but fragmented portion of Alphabet’s shares.
- Influence: While individual investors lack the concentrated influence of institutional shareholders, their collective ownership reflects Alphabet’s popularity among the general public.
5. Other Notable Shareholders
Several other institutional investors and funds hold smaller but notable stakes in Alphabet. These include:
- T. Rowe Price: A major asset management firm with a stake of ~1.5%.
- State Street Corporation: Known for its SPDR ETFs, State Street holds ~3% of Alphabet’s shares.
- Berkshire Hathaway: While not a top shareholder, Warren Buffett’s conglomerate has occasionally held Alphabet shares in its portfolio.
Who Controls Google (and Who Makes the Decisions)
Google’s control lies in the hands of its founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, who wield significant power through their Class B shares.
Page and Brin hold Class B shares, which carry 10 votes per share, compared to the single vote per share of Class A shares held by the public. This structure ensures that the founders retain significant control over Alphabet’s decisions, even as their ownership stake has decreased over time.
Collectively, Page and Brin control over 50% of Alphabet’s voting power, giving them the final say on major decisions, including board appointments, mergers, and acquisitions.
While both founders stepped down from day-to-day roles in 2019 (with Sundar Pichai taking over as CEO of Alphabet), they remain actively involved in strategic decisions through their board positions and voting power.
The Role of Alphabet Inc.
In 2015, Google underwent a significant restructuring, creating Alphabet Inc. as its parent company. This move allowed Google to focus on its core businesses while giving other ventures room to grow independently.
- Sundar Pichai: As CEO of both Alphabet and Google, Pichai is the face of the company’s day-to-day operations. While he owns a smaller stake in Alphabet (less than 1%), his leadership is critical in executing the founders’ vision.
- Board of Directors: Alphabet’s board includes influential figures like John Hennessy (Chairman), Diane Greene, and Roger Ferguson. However, the founders’ voting power ensures they have the final say on board decisions.
Institutional Investors: Passive but Powerful
While the founders hold the reins, institutional investors own the majority of Alphabet’s shares. These include asset management giants like The Vanguard Group, BlackRock, and Fidelity Investments.
Institutional investors collectively own over 70% of Alphabet’s shares making them significant stakeholders.
Despite their large ownership, these investors are primarily passive, focusing on long-term growth rather than direct involvement in company decisions. However, their collective voice can influence corporate governance and strategic direction.
The Dual-Class Share Structure
Alphabet’s control mechanism is built on its dual-class share structure, which is common among tech companies but often criticized for concentrating power in the hands of a few.
- Class A Shares (GOOGL): Available to the public, these shares carry 1 vote per share.
- Class B Shares: Held by insiders (primarily Page and Brin), these shares carry 10 votes per share.
- Class C Shares (GOOG): These shares have no voting rights and are often used for employee compensation and acquisitions.
This structure ensures that the founders retain control even as the company grows and issues more shares to the public.
Final Words on Who Owns Google
Alphabet Inc.’s shareholder base is a mix of institutional investors, mutual funds, insiders, and individual investors.
While Vanguard, BlackRock, and Fidelity dominate the ownership landscape, founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin retain significant control through their Class B shares.
This balance of ownership ensures that Alphabet remains both a publicly traded company and a founder-led enterprise, driving its continued innovation and growth in the tech industry.
As Alphabet expands into new frontiers like AI, quantum computing, and healthcare, its shareholders will play a pivotal role in shaping its future.
FAQs
Who owns Google?
Google is owned by its shareholders, including institutional investors, mutual funds, insiders, and individual investors. Its parent company, Alphabet Inc., was created in 2015 to oversee Google and its other ventures.
Is Google a publicly traded company?
Yes, Google is part of Alphabet Inc., which is publicly traded on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbols GOOGL (Class A shares) and GOOG (Class C shares).
Who are the largest shareholders of Google (Alphabet)?
The largest shareholders of Alphabet Inc. are institutional investors like The Vanguard Group, BlackRock, and Fidelity Investments. Founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin also hold significant stakes.
Do Larry Page and Sergey Brin still own Google?
Yes, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, the co-founders of Google, still own a significant portion of Alphabet Inc. (Google’s parent company). Each holds approximately 6% of the shares and retains control through Class B shares, which carry 10 votes per share.
What is the difference between GOOGL and GOOG?
- GOOGL (Class A shares): These shares are publicly traded and carry 1 vote per share.
- GOOG (Class C shares): These shares are also publicly traded but have no voting rights. They are often used for employee compensation and acquisitions.
How much of Google does Sundar Pichai own?
Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Alphabet and Google, owns less than 1% of the company. While his stake is relatively small, his leadership role gives him significant influence over the company’s operations.
Can individuals buy shares in Google?
Yes, individuals can buy shares in Alphabet Inc. (Google) through brokerage accounts, retirement plans, or direct stock purchase programs. They can purchase either GOOGL (voting shares) or GOOG (non-voting shares).
Who controls Google’s decision-making?
Despite owning a smaller percentage of shares, Larry Page and Sergey Brin control Alphabet’s decision-making through their Class B shares, which carry 10 votes per share. This structure ensures the founders retain significant influence.
Does Google pay dividends to its shareholders?
No, Alphabet Inc. (Google) does not currently pay dividends. Instead, the company reinvests its profits into growth initiatives, acquisitions, and innovation.
Are there any restrictions on buying Google shares?
No, there are no specific restrictions on buying Google shares. However, investors should be aware of the differences between GOOGL (voting shares) and GOOG (non-voting shares) before purchasing.