25 Lessons in 25 Years, by Bill Gross > 25 Lessons in 25 Years >
Idealab Entrance 2022

What We Do

Bill Gross started ldealab in 1996 to create and operate pioneering technology companies. The structure of ldealab has allowed us to test many ideas at once and turn the best of them into companies, attracting the human and financial capital necessary to bring them to market.

Many of these companies were among the first to introduce new business ideas to the market. CitySearch. now a part of IAC, established the category of local online community directories. eToys demonstrated the tremendous potential for online consumer retail and became one of the most recognized brands during the early days of e-commerce. Overture Services, which began life as Go To.com, was the first company to introduce the concept of paid search – the business model that powers the multibillion-dollar online search market.

Idealab continues to explore a range of technology frontiers. Moving beyond the Internet, we have spawned companies with breakthrough technologies in mobile technologies, robotics, and renewable energy among others. ldealab also continues to partner with leading venture capital firms and other strategic investors to provide the resources to maximize the potential of these companies.

In addition to capital, ldealab provides a full range of resources to infuse start-ups with the support they need to rapidly introduce innovative products and services. Resources include office space and the accompanying office services, development and technology, product and graphic design, marketing, financial advice, human resources, competitive research, legal, accounting and business development support and services. In addition, ldealab provides advice on strategy, branding and corporate structure.