Idealab
Venture studioPasadena · Pre-Seed–Seed · 9 people tracked
Investment thesis
Idealab operates as a technology incubator that identifies large real-world problems solvable with technology, then tests numerous ideas in parallel. When an idea shows strong promise, the firm recruits a team, spins it out as a standalone company, and supports its growth into a successful business. Ideas are generated internally rather than sourced from outside founders, so the firm does not accept unsolicited business plans. Over its history it has launched more than 150 companies spanning areas such as clean technology and consumer internet, producing a substantial number of IPOs and acquisitions.
Source: firm website, verified Aug 7, 2026.
Team · 9 people
from the firm's website
Investments · 3 tracked
founders shown can be your intro pathEstablished the category of local online community directories; now part of IAC.
Early online consumer retail brand during the beginnings of e-commerce.
Originally GoTo.com; first company to introduce the concept of paid search.
Frequently asked questions
- What stage does Idealab invest at?
- Idealab invests at the Pre-Seed, Seed stages.
- What sectors does Idealab focus on?
- Idealab focuses on AI & Machine Learning, Cleantech, Consumer, Crypto & Web3, Deep Tech, E-commerce, Energy, Mobility & Transportation, Robotics.
- Where is Idealab located?
- Idealab is headquartered in Pasadena, US.
Media · Podcasts & interviews
featuring the teamEpisode 2259: Idealab founder Bill Gross on what's he's learned over the last 20 years
Keen On · Bill Gross
Idealab and Heliogen Founder Bill Gross | Full Interview | Code 2022
Recode · Bill Gross
Idealab’s Bill Gross: Converting radical ideas into ground breaking companies | SOSV Climate Tech
SOSV · Bill Gross
Investors (Bill Gross Idealab) Lesson 20
Idealab · Bill Gross
Culture (Bill Gross Idealab) Lesson 18
Idealab · Bill Gross
Protect Your Intellectual Property (Bill Gross Idealab) Lesson 12
Idealab · Bill Gross
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