Google has launched a new program called Google Ventures to invest funds in start-ups “including consumer Internet, software, hardware, clean-tech, bio-tech, health care and others”. They say they are interested in “entrepreneurs who are tackling problems in creative and innovative ways. As a venture fund, however, we’re also looking for investments with the potential for significant financial return”.
It looks like this is an investment fund rather than an assistance program like Microsoft’s BizSpark. There is room for both and I can see people trying to avail of both. I hope both parties play nice with each other because they have a lot to offer. I’ve seen first hand how BizSpark is helping people get businesses of the ground. I’ve also seen how BizCamp programs are educating people. New innovations tend to come from small companies. Ireland in particular is relying on the emergence of some of these startups to reinvigorate our economy and bring about lasting employment. Hopefully these programs will continue to help.