Google Ventures not focused on Android startups
When Google announced its new VC arm Google Ventures earlier this month, it was logical to assume some of its cash might be flowing in the direction of Android developers.
Why? Well, original Android co-founder Rich Miner was one of the executives involved, and such a fund would give Android an equivalent pot of developer-tempting cash to those offered for rival platforms iPhone and BlackBerry.
However, according to new quotes from Miner in the Wall Street Journal, that's not the case, even though Google Ventures will fund some mobile startups.
Id be thrilled if I found a start-up that I believed could be a big company, that had a big innovative idea on top of Android, and Im sure Ill see some, says Miner. But as an investor, with the agreement that I have, Im not biasing Android or mobile anymore than any other platform.
What's more, Miner says he'd actually be tempted to advise developers to use Android as a platform for testing out prototypes and new ideas, but then to expand their app to other mobile platforms too.
If you want to have a mass-market successful business then you probably need to think about supporting some of those devices that have much more penetration, he says.