David Drummond, the Internet search leader's senior vice president of corporate development and chief legal officer, would lead the investment business, the report said, adding that William Maris, a former Web hosting entrepreneur, had also been hired recently to help set up the unit.
However, a source familiar with the company's thinking told news service Reuters that any decision to move ahead with a venture capital unit was in very preliminary stages and that no firm decisions had been taken.
Google's official blog has yet to make a mention of any venture capital plans, but if true, Google would join other technology companies including Motorola Inc., Intel Corp. and Comcast Corp. that have their own VC funds. Such organizations often, but not exclusively, invest in technologies that are complementary to the investor company's market segment.
For more on Google's recent deals, investment activities and philanthropic initiatives, see the full story on TheDeal.com. -
Donna BlockSee Wall Street Journal report
