Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google and one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, has gifted Alphabet shares worth Rs 6,016 crore (approximately USD 700 million). Despite this significant donation, Brin continues to hold the position of the 8th richest person globally, with a real-time net worth estimated at USD 134 billion (Rs 11.52 lakh crore), according to Forbes data dated May 22.
Brin, aged 51, has a history of donating large portions of his wealth to causes he supports. Bloomberg’s regulatory filings reveal that he has gifted nearly 4.1 million Alphabet shares valued at USD 700 million, although the exact recipient remains undisclosed. Experts speculate that the shares were likely donated to charitable organisations or philanthropic trusts.
This latest donation follows a series of high-profile gifts, including a USD 600 million donation coinciding with the launch of Google’s artificial intelligence search in 2023, and further share gifts exceeding USD 100 million made in May and November 2024.
Although Brin stepped down from his role as Alphabet’s president in December 2019, he remains a key board member with significant influence due to Alphabet’s unique dual-class share structure.
Brin’s philanthropic efforts are well-documented. Through initiatives such as the Brin Wojcicki Foundation, he has supported Parkinson’s research and civil liberties, gaining recognition in global philanthropic circles.
Born in Russia, Brin emigrated to the United States at age six with his family to escape anti-Semitic persecution. He co-founded Google with Larry Page in 1998 at Stanford University, leading to the creation of Alphabet in 2015 to oversee the company’s diverse business ventures.
His recent donations highlight a growing trend among billionaires using their tech fortunes to contribute to public welfare while maintaining financial influence. Brin’s low-profile yet substantial giving underscores the evolving role of wealth in addressing global challenges.