Sergey Brin co-founded Google with Larry Page in 1998 and, with Page, controls Alphabet through super-voting Class B shares despite no longer holding executive roles. His net worth surged in 2025 amid an AI-driven Alphabet rally -- gaining roughly $97 billion that year to reach about $255 billion, making him one of the world's three or four richest people.
After stepping back from day-to-day management in 2019, Brin returned to hands-on technical work around 2023 to help develop Google's Gemini AI models, saying he had been 'spiraling' in retirement and that staying away 'would've been a big mistake.'
Through his controlling Alphabet stake, Brin retains decisive influence over Google Search, YouTube, Android, Google Cloud, and the DeepMind/Gemini AI operation that reach billions of users.
What they control
- Super-voting control of Alphabet (with Larry Page)
- Hands-on involvement in Google's Gemini AI development
- Influence over Search, YouTube, Android, and Cloud
- DeepMind and Alphabet's AI strategy
Key institutions & holdings
Holds super-voting shares with Larry Page.
Key facts
- Net worth ranged widely, reaching ~$255 billion in late 2025.
- Co-founded Google in 1998.
- Controls Alphabet via super-voting shares with Larry Page.
- Returned ~2023 to hands-on work on Google's Gemini AI.
- Gifted $1.1 billion in Alphabet stock after the 2025 AI rally.
Timeline
- 1998Co-founds Google with Larry Page.
- 2019Steps down from Alphabet management, retaining control.
- 2023Returns to hands-on AI work on Gemini.
- 2025Net worth surges amid the Alphabet AI rally.
Controversies
Founder voting control · 2004-2026
Super-voting shares let Brin and Page control Alphabet despite holding a minority of equity, limiting outside shareholder influence.
Alphabet antitrust · 2023-2026
Google has faced major antitrust rulings over search and ad-tech dominance.
Network
- Larry PageCo-founderShares super-voting control of Alphabet.
- Sundar PichaiAlphabet CEORuns the company day-to-day.
Why this matters
Google's platforms mediate information for billions, and its AI may reshape that again. Founder voting control keeps decisions over search, moderation, and AI in the hands of two individuals largely insulated from outside accountability.