Google is one of the most influential tech companies in the world, shaping how people search for information, communicate, and work online. As one of the most visited websites, Google has transformed from a search engine project into a global technology powerhouse with innovations in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital advertising.
If you’re wondering how old Google is, this article will take you through its founding, key milestones, and ongoing evolution.
When Was Google Founded?
Google was officially founded on September 4, 1998, by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, two PhD students at Stanford University. The search engine they built was initially called Backrub, a project designed to analyze web page links to determine their importance.
The name “Google” was inspired by “Googol,” a mathematical term representing the number 1 followed by 100 zeros. This name reflected the company’s mission to organize and make vast amounts of information accessible to everyone.
The Official Founding of Google
Although Google’s technology was in development before 1998, it officially became a registered company on September 4, 1998. The first office was in a garage in Menlo Park, California, rented from Susan Wojcicki, who later became the CEO of YouTube.
Google quickly gained popularity due to its superior search algorithm, which ranked web pages based on relevance and link authority rather than simple keyword matching. By 1999, the company moved to Palo Alto, where it began rapid expansion.
Google’s Major Milestones Over the Years
Google’s growth from a search engine to a multi-industry tech giant has been driven by strategic acquisitions, product development, and innovation. Here are some of its biggest milestones:
- 2000 – Launched Google Ads, the main revenue source of the company.
- 2004 – Held its initial public offering (IPO), raising over $1.6 billion.
- 2005 – Acquired Android, which later became the world’s most used mobile operating system.
- 2006 – Bought YouTube for $1.65 billion, expanding into online video.
- 2015 – Reorganized under Alphabet Inc., making Google a subsidiary of the parent company.
- 2023 – Celebrated 25 years of innovation, marking a quarter-century since its launch.
Each milestone helped Google expand beyond search, making it a leader in mobile technology, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing.
How Has Google Changed Since Its Founding?
Google has evolved far beyond a search engine, expanding into advertising, AI, and digital services.
One of the biggest shifts has been the use of artificial intelligence to enhance search results, voice assistants, and automation tools. Google has also changed its business model, generating billions in revenue from Google Ads, YouTube advertising, and cloud services.
Another major change is in how search results are displayed. In the early days, Google provided simple lists of web pages, but today, it includes featured snippets, AI-generated summaries, and multimedia-rich search results.
Google’s success lies in constant innovation while maintaining its core mission: making information easily accessible.
Google’s 25+ Years of Innovation and Expansion
Since its founding, Google has introduced hundreds of products and services beyond its core search engine.
Key Areas of Growth:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning – Developed Google AI, Bard (Gemini), and DeepMind.
- Mobile Technology – Created Android OS, powering billions of devices.
- Cloud Computing – Offers Google Cloud, a leader in enterprise solutions.
- Smart Assistants & Voice Search – Introduced Google Assistant, improving voice-based search.
- Hardware Development – Launched Pixel smartphones, Nest smart devices, and Chromebooks.
Google’s influence extends far beyond search, impacting enterprise computing, digital advertising, and smart home technology.
Fun Facts About Google’s Early Days
Despite its massive success today, Google started with humble beginnings.
- The first Google server was built using LEGO bricks as a storage rack.
- Google’s founders initially tried to sell the company for $1 million, but the deal fell through.
- The first Google homepage was incredibly simple because Larry Page and Sergey Brin didn’t know much about web design.
- The “I’m Feeling Lucky” button was designed to speed up searches, but it also cost Google millions in lost ad revenue because it bypassed search ads.
These small details highlight how a garage startup turned into a global giant.
Conclusion: How Google Has Shaped the Digital World
Over 25 years, Google has redefined search, revolutionized advertising, and expanded into nearly every corner of technology. From its early days at Stanford to leading the AI revolution, the company continues to shape the future of the internet.
Google remains a dominant force in tech, influencing how people search, communicate, and work online. As the company looks forward, innovations in AI, automation, and cloud computing will continue to drive its success.
What are your favorite Google innovations? Share your thoughts in the comments!