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Google Startup Launch

developers.google.com

1–10 of 43 posts

Re: Google Startup Launch

#3

Not quite clear on this program. It it more of a biz spark type thing from google? Are they planning to fund some early stage startups?

It would seem that they are attempting to promote the use of their platforms for new startups in exchange for personalized feedback, networking, and free promotion. I wouldn't be surprised if they ended up funding some of the resultant projects down the road but currently it appears that they're just testing a new method of connecting their developer relations teams with promising startups.

Re: Google Startup Launch

#4
It's tough to say what their intent is regarding this program. My initial inclination is that they have multiple possible motives for providing this service:

1. To bring more awareness to their developer services and offerings in the small business sector. They've recently stated that SMBs are of huge interest to them. For example, check out "Google My Business", a recent play of theirs:

http://www.google.com/business/

2. To potentially fuel early stage acquisitions and/or funding opportunities via Google Ventures. What a wise play to see how startups are using your offerings to vet them before acqui-hiring or offering funding.

What are everyone else's feelings on this play?

Re: Google Startup Launch

#5
post #4

It's tough to say what their intent is regarding this program. My initial inclination is that they have multiple possible motives for providing this service: 1. To bring more awareness to their developer services and offerings in the small business sector. They've recently stated that SMBs are of huge interest to them. For example, check out "Google My Business", a recent play of theirs: http://www.google.com/busines…

Pretty similar to yours. They seem to be offering incentive for very early startups with spotlighting and ways of improving UX through design/consulting. Not sure how applicable this would be to a startup that knows how to market its target audience, though.

Re: Google Startup Launch

#6
How much of Google's cloud stack are you required to use to apply for this program? If they require you to use GAE for your backend for example, I think it's going to be a dealbreaker for a lot of startups.

Re: Google Startup Launch

#7
post #5
post #4

It's tough to say what their intent is regarding this program. My initial inclination is that they have multiple possible motives for providing this service: 1. To bring more awareness to their developer services and offerings in the small business sector. They've recently stated that SMBs are of huge interest to them. For example, check out "Google My Business", a recent play of theirs: http://www.google.com/busines…

Pretty similar to yours. They seem to be offering incentive for very early startups with spotlighting and ways of improving UX through design/consulting. Not sure how applicable this would be to a startup that knows how to market its target audience, though.

I think the additional value add they're promoting is simply exposure. It's one of the few things that every startup wishes they had more off. I would anticipate signups to be fairly high just for the off chance of increasing eyeballs.

I do know that Google's marketing team has a budget they can utilize for successful partners/resellers to increase exposure. The reasoning behind the budget is that if Google partners succeed, Google ultimately making more money.

Re: Google Startup Launch

#9
This looks like a simple case of Google follows BizSpark.

Next up, Larry Page dances across the stage shouting "Developers, developers, developers, developers"

I am (slightly) serious though. Google seems to slowly be following Steve Yegges advice to become a platform - and this is the best way to give that platform a workout. Without developers building on GAE / ApIs it's never going to break out of the current hole of being a few great API Islands in a sea of otherwise invisible underwater services.

Re: Google Startup Launch

#10
post #8

Anyone know what the eligibility criteria for this is? is this open to people from all over the world or restricted to a particular demographic?

From what I can see in the application form it looks like you can apply from every country. I also can't find any other information that conflicts with this.

It looks like the eligibility criteria are pretty lax, but they are probably going to receive tons of applications and do some heavy filtering. It wouldn't be unthinkable that the country plays a role in that filtering, but that is only speculation.

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