Who Owns Google? Google’s Ownership Structure and Key Shareholders

Google, the global tech juggernaut, is currently owned by Alphabet Inc., a parent company established in 2015 to oversee Google and its various subsidiaries. 

As a publicly traded entity, Alphabet‘s ownership is distributed among a diverse array of stakeholders, including institutional investors such as the Vanguard Group, BlackRock, and Fidelity Management & Research LLC. Notable individuals who hold shares in Alphabet include Sundar Pichai, the CEO, and Larry Page and Sergey Brin, the co-founders.

Top Shareholders of Alphabet Inc.:

1. The Vanguard Group, Inc.
2. BlackRock Inc.
3. State Street Corporation
4. Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC
5. T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.
6. Capital Research & Management Company (Global Investors)
7. SSgA Funds Management, Inc.
8. Geode Capital Management LLC
9. JPMorgan Chase & Co.
10. Capital International Investors

Comparing Apple and Google

In terms of market capitalization, Apple holds a significant lead over Google, with a market cap of $2.11 trillion compared to Google‘s $1.42 trillion. Additionally, Apple generated more revenue than Google in 2022, with $394.33 billion versus Google‘s $282.83 billion. 

However, Google boasts a larger workforce, with 160,000 employees worldwide, compared to Apple‘s 164,000. Regarding brand value, Apple holds the top spot with a brand value of $323 billion, while Google follows closely behind at $263 billion.

Ownership of YouTube and Google

Alphabet Inc., founded by Google‘s co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, owns both YouTube and Google. Google acquired YouTube in 2006 for $1.65 billion, marking one of its most significant acquisitions. YouTube has since become one of Google’s flagship products, boasting over 2 billion monthly active users.

YouTube’s Acquisition by Google

The visionary co-founders of YouTube, Chad Hurley, and Steve Chen, made the monumental decision to sell their platform to Google on October 16, 2006, for $1.65 billion. This acquisition proved a strategic move for both parties, as YouTube gained access to Google‘s vast resources and expertise, enabling its continued growth and success in the online video space.

In summary, Google‘s ownership lies with Alphabet Inc., while YouTube is a subsidiary owned by Google. The acquisition of YouTube by Google has proven to be a landmark moment in the history of both companies, leading to significant growth and innovation in the online video industry.