Google does more than just technology. They’re more than just search engines and bytes of analytical data about online habits. Google is more than just Android, and Chrome, and Gmail. These are big parts of Google, as they should be since all those things are Google’s own products. Google is behind tons of the most used products, apps, and companies that many people use on a daily basis, though, and it’s all thanks to the funding they provide top these brands through Google Ventures, Google’s investment firm established around six years ago. Today during Google Ventures’ GV Founder and CEO summit, they have shared their year in review and it showcases that Ventures has funded a hefty portion of popular brands and companies.
While many of these companies have been invested in over the years, Google Ventures has funded 55 companies in 2015 alone and Of those 55, there are 39 in total which Google Ventures CEO Bill Maris stated he is really enthusiastic about, most of these being across different industries like life science and health, enterprise, consumer, and Data & AI. Life science and health are listed as being the area that has seen the most investment focus this year with an overall share of 31% of the investments made, and that trend Maris states will continue into 2016 and the years that are to follow.
Aside from Life sciences and health, other areas like consumers saw 24% of the investments, while enterprise carries 23 %, and Data & AI bring up the rear with 13% displaying that this is the least focused area, but not necessarily the least exciting for Google Ventures and anyone else involved. In total, Google Ventures will have $2.4 billion under management going into the new year, which means there’s plenty of funding for the investment firm to toss around at budding companies looking to make their mark with new and innovative offerings. Ventures reiterates that they’re here to help improve lives and change industries, and they’re looking forward to continuing to help people and companies realize their dreams. The short video below shows off many of the Google Ventures accomplishments over the past 12 months, and is great piece to watch if you have a couple of minutes to spare.