Google Cloud announced on October 9 that it is partnering with Sequoia Capital, an American venture capital firm. This partnership will allow its portfolio companies to access Google’s various cloud services, credits, and enhanced support. “It will help companies quickly build and scale their products on Google Cloud,” says Thomas Kurian, the CEO of Google Cloud.
Under the terms of the deal, which is non-exclusive, Sequoia-backed companies can get migration support and up to 45 minutes of daily “white glove” support from Google staffers. They can also get up to $500,000 worth of free cloud computing, training, and other services from Cloud, compared to the $350,000 in credits and other benefits it offers to other AI startups.
The move could give Google a leg up on its rivals OpenAI and Microsoft, helping it to increase its consumer base for cloud services and credits.
With this partnership, Google has added to its list of multiple partnerships with other VC firms and accelerators, including Y Combinator and 500 Global. The tech giant also recently partnered with ParallelDots and Tech Mahindra, as reported by AIM earlier.
“You don’t have to invent every wheel,” said James Lee, the general manager of Google Cloud’s startups and AI program, in an interview. He expressed that beyond the cloud credits, Google can help startups compare various options, which include Google and third-party models.
Meanwhile, Sequoia partner Bogomil Balkansky said the deal benefits pre-seed stage companies that might only have a few million dollars in funding, a considerable part of which gets eaten up by cloud costs. However, he also expressed that it is optional for companies to build on Google Cloud.
