Over a quarter of a century, Google has evolved from a simple search engine to a global technological powerhouse, culminating in the formation of Alphabet, one of the largest technology companies on the planet. Initially designed to revolutionize internet search, Google quickly outpaced established competitors, asserting its dominance with efficiency and relevance in search results.
The milestone of 2004 witnessed Google’s triumphant entry into the stock market with an Initial Public Offering that marked the transition to a publicly traded company. GOOGL shares, with and without voting rights, were launched, further solidifying Google’s presence in financial markets.
Eleven years after its founding, visionary founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin decided to chart new paths. In 2015, they gave birth to Alphabet Inc., a holding company that separated Google’s core operations from other ventures in various segments. This strategic shift allowed Google to become a wholly-owned subsidiary, while other Alphabet companies operate autonomously, exploring areas as diverse as biotechnology, agriculture, and the automotive industry.
Although Page and Brin stepped away from administrative roles in 2019, they remain majority shareholders, wielding significant influence on the Board of Directors. Sundar Pichai assumed the role of CEO, leading both Google and Alphabet since then.
In 2022, Alphabet achieved a remarkable feat with a market value of $1.75 trillion, primarily driven by revenues from online advertising, app sales, and cloud storage services, establishing itself as one of the most valuable companies globally.
Alphabet’s growth strategy has always included the pursuit of new businesses, evidenced by the acquisition of smaller companies and the constant diversification of its portfolio. Under its umbrella, Alphabet extends beyond the digital domain, expanding into biotechnology, agriculture, and other sectors.
The legacy of Google, now integrated into Alphabet, continues to shape the global technological landscape. Its journey exemplifies not only adaptability but also the strategic vision that characterizes the success of contemporary tech giants. Alphabet remains at the forefront, pioneering new horizons and solidifying itself as an indisputable force in the Big Tech landscape.
Text credits:By Journalist Flávio Bergmann
photomontage: by Vinícius Pascoal