Google Removes 'Underrepresented' Language from Grant Website

Google Adjusts Funding Programs for Startups

Following Google’s announcement of a review of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, alterations have been observed on the Google for Startups Founders Fund webpage.

Specifically, the language used to describe the fund’s programs for underrepresented founders has been shifted to the past tense. This change was noted after December, as evidenced by internet archive records.

Fund Program Status

Currently, the website indicates that no fund programs are actively available. The Google Startup Founders Fund was initially launched in 2020.

Its purpose was to offer financial grants, mentorship opportunities, and product support to startups led by founders from underrepresented groups, including women and individuals of African and Latino heritage.

To date, the fund has reportedly distributed over $50 million in support to more than 600 founders. Beyond financial capital, recipients also benefited from mentorship and access to resources like Google Cloud credits.

Shifting Landscape of Grant Programs

The environment surrounding grant programs, particularly those focused on minority groups, has undergone significant changes since 2020.

Concerns have been raised by tech founders and investors regarding the future of programs like the Google Startups Founders Fund, given the increasing scrutiny and legal challenges facing DEI initiatives.

Programs Now Listed as Completed

The website now lists several funds as “past” programs. These include:

• Women’s Founders Fund
• Latino Founders Fund
• Ukraine Support Fund
• Black Founders Fund U.S.
• Black Founders Fund Brazil

Furthermore, the site states that there are currently “zero” grant programs available across any region.

Focus on AI Startups

However, programs offering training on Google’s AI products and U.S. accelerators for startups in specific sectors—such as energy and climate—continue to accept applications.

The exact status of the discontinued programs—whether they have been formally ended, temporarily suspended, or are undergoing restructuring—remains unclear.

Google’s response to inquiries was ambiguous, suggesting a strategic shift in focus toward startups specializing in artificial intelligence.

A spokesperson stated that applications for Google for Startups Funds in the U.S. for 2025 have not yet opened. They also confirmed ongoing support for past fund cohorts.

The spokesperson added that in 2025, investments will be directed towards AI-focused startups in the U.S., with further details to be announced at a later date.

Shifting Language in Google's Grant Program

Recent observations by TechCrunch have highlighted alterations in the phrasing used on the webpages detailing this particular grant initiative.

Previously, in December, the website explicitly stated that the grants had “exceeded $50 million in funding for founders from underrepresented groups.” However, the term “underrepresented” is no longer present in the current wording.

An archived version of the page, dated January 21st, demonstrates that Google formerly characterized the program’s objective as offering “financial assistance to underrepresented communities” and “facilitating the development and expansion of businesses led by underrepresented and at-risk founders.”

The program is now described by Google as providing “financial assistance to innovators,” alongside practical support “designed to assist founders in building and scaling their ventures.”

A request for clarification regarding this change in language was submitted to Google, but no response was received.

Over the last month, Google, alongside other major technology companies such as Meta and Amazon, has begun modifying its DEI-related terminology and initiatives. This shift coincides with increased scrutiny and pressure from the Trump administration on both the public and private sectors to curtail these types of programs.

Google recently announced the discontinuation of diversity targets and also removed any reference to DEI from its annual 10-K filing.

According to a Reuters report this week, several companies that have publicly moved away from DEI initiatives are, in fact, continuing these efforts privately. This reveals the complex position businesses currently occupy as they navigate potential DEI-related legal challenges.

Simultaneously, grant programs within the U.S. that are specifically aimed at supporting particular segments of underrepresented communities have faced ongoing opposition. The Fearless Fund, for example, was compelled to settle a lawsuit concerning its grant program for Black Women founders and subsequently ceased operations of the program in September.

PayPal is currently involved in a legal dispute regarding its grant commitment to Black and Latino founders, with allegations of discrimination against other racial groups being made.