Workflow
Alphabet is increasingly launching “moonshot” projects as independent companies — here's why
AlphabetAlphabet(US:GOOG) TechCrunch·2025-11-03 01:02

Core Insights - Alphabet's X is evolving its strategy by spinning out ambitious technology projects as independent companies rather than keeping them within the Alphabet structure [1][3] - The new approach is supported by a dedicated venture fund, Series X Capital, which has raised over $500 million and is legally obligated to invest exclusively in X spinouts [2][11] - X's definition of a moonshot includes solving significant global problems, proposing innovative solutions, and leveraging breakthrough technology [5][13] Spinout Strategy - The spinout strategy allows X to detach projects from Alphabet, enabling faster development for certain projects that may not benefit from being part of the larger corporate structure [3][9] - Series X Capital, managed by Gideon Yu, allows Alphabet to be a minority investor, facilitating a more flexible investment approach [2][11] - This strategy addresses the challenge of finding outside investors willing to take over majority stakes in projects, streamlining the spinout process while maintaining strategic ties [11][12] Intellectual Honesty and Project Evaluation - X promotes a culture of intellectual honesty, actively celebrating the termination of projects that do not meet their rigorous standards [4][10] - The lab employs a testing approach that seeks to identify reasons to shut down projects early, resulting in a low hit rate of 2%, which is viewed as a feature rather than a failure [10] - Employees are incentivized to detach from their ideas, allowing for more objective evaluations of project viability [9][12] Recent Developments - In 2025, X has successfully spun out companies such as Taara and Heritable Agriculture, focusing on innovative technologies in wireless communication and biotech [12] - The latest moonshot announced is Anori, an AI platform aimed at addressing complexities in the real estate and construction industries, highlighting the significant environmental impact of the built environment [13][14]