Founders of Google Larry Page and Sergey Brin. Lawrence Edward “Larry” Page (born March 26, 1973) and Sergey Mikhaylovich Brin (born August 21, 1973) are the co-founders of Google. They met at Stanford University, where they were pursuing their Ph.D. degrees in computer science. Their collaboration on a search engine that ranked web pages by the number and quality of links they had, rather than simply keyword frequency, led to the foundation of Google, now the most influential company in the world. This essay will explore the life, work, and impact of Larry Page and Sergey Brin, focusing on their roles in the creation of Google.
Early Life and Education
Larry Page was born in Lansing, Michigan, to Carl Victor Page Sr. and Gloria (née Page) – née Geraldine. His father was a computer science professor at Michigan State University and his mother was an instructor in computer programming. Sergey Brin was born in Moscow, Russia, to Russian Jewish parents, Michael Brin and Eugenia Brin.
Brin emigrated with his family to the United States from the Soviet Union when he was six years old. They settled in Maryland. Both Page and Brin showed early interest and aptitude for technology. Page’s parents encouraged him to take risks and think independently, fostering a sense of entrepreneurial spirit. Brin’s parents provided a similar environment, with his father being a mathematics professor and his mother working as a researcher at NASA.
Page attended East Lansing High School and graduated in 1991. Brin attended Eleanor Roosevelt High School, graduating in 1990. Both young men showed an early interest in computers and technology. Page attended Michigan State University for his undergraduate studies in computer engineering, and Brin went to the University of Maryland, College Park for his undergraduate studies in computer science and mathematics.
The Birth of Google
The two co-founders met at Stanford University in 1995, where they were both pursuing their Ph.D. degrees in computer science. It was here that they began to work together on various projects, including the development of a search engine called BackRub. This project eventually evolved into Google.
BackRub was an early prototype of the search engine that we know today. It was a tool that ranked web pages by the number and quality of links they had, rather than simply keyword frequency. This approach allowed for more accurate and relevant search results.
The search engine quickly gained popularity and became known as “Google.” Page and Brin incorporated the company in September 1998, with the mission of organizing the world’s information and making it universally accessible and useful. The name “Google” is a play on the mathematical term “googol,” which represents the number 1 followed by 100 zeros, a reflection of the founders’ vision for the vast amount of information they wanted to organize.
Early Success and Growth
Google’s rapid growth and success were fueled by several key factors. First, the search engine’s algorithm was revolutionary in its ability to provide more relevant and accurate search results. Second, the company’s business model of selling targeted advertising proved to be highly profitable. Third, Google’s corporate culture, which emphasized innovation, openness, and employee empowerment, attracted top talent and fostered a sense of loyalty among its employees.
Google’s early years were marked by a series of milestones and accomplishments. In 2000, the company launched AdWords, its advertising platform, which allowed advertisers to create and manage their own ad campaigns. This was a major source of revenue for the company and helped establish Google as a leader in the online advertising market.
Continued Innovation and Expansion
Page and Brin continued to lead Google as it expanded its product offerings and entered new markets. In 2004, the company launched Gmail, its popular email service, and in 2005, it acquired Android, the mobile operating system. These moves were part of Google’s strategy to become a dominant player in the digital world, providing a wide range of products and services to its users.
Google’s acquisition of Android was particularly significant, as it allowed the company to enter the mobile market, which was experiencing rapid growth at the time. Android quickly became the dominant mobile operating system, with Google Play, its app store, providing a platform for developers to distribute their apps and for users to download them.
Later Years and Philanthropy
In 2015, Page and Brin blazoned that they were stepping down from their places as CEO and chairman of Google, independently, to concentrate on other systems. Sundar Pichai, who had been with the company since 2004, became the new CEO.
Despite stepping down from their leadership roles at Google, Page and Brin remain active in the company’s affairs. They continue to serve on its board of directors and are involved in decision-making at the highest level.
Outside of Google, Page and Brin have pursued various philanthropic endeavors. In 2004, they established the runner and Brin Family Foundation, which supports a wide range of causes, including education, the terrain, and technology. In 2015, they announced the launch of the Breakthrough Energy Coalition, a group of investors committed to supporting clean energy technology.
In conclusion, Larry Page and Sergey Brin are two of the most influential figures in the technology industry. Their vision and leadership have helped Google become one of the most valuable and innovative companies in the world.