Google Founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin Exit California

Growing Exodus from Silicon Valley

After nearly three decades establishing Google as the cornerstone of Silicon Valley’s tech industry, co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin are dramatically shifting their presence out of California. The 52-year-old billionaires, whose combined net worth exceeds $518 billion, have begun a systematic relocation of their business entities and investments.

In a major corporate restructuring just before the new year, Brin terminated or relocated 15 California limited liability companies overseeing his business interests. Seven companies, including entities managing his superyacht and private air terminal at San Jose International Airport, were converted to Nevada entities. Page has gone further, with more than 45 California limited liability companies either becoming inactive or relocating, while a trust connected to him purchased a $71.9 million mansion in Miami’s Coconut Grove.

A Wealth Tax Triggers Strategic Moves

The exodus appears directly tied to California’s proposed wealth tax initiative. The measure, championed by a healthcare union, would impose a one-time 5% tax on residents worth more than $1 billion, retroactively applying to anyone in the state on January 1. The initiative has already prompted other tech billionaires, including venture capitalist Peter Thiel and entrepreneur David Sacks, to establish offices outside California.

However, union officials dispute claims of mass departures. Suzanne Jimenez, chief of staff at the Service Employees International Union, stated that the “overwhelming majority of billionaires” remain in California. Governor Gavin Newsom opposes the measure as bad policy, while Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang notably accepted the tax, affirming his commitment to Silicon Valley.

The Google founders retain California properties but their reduced ties signal significant