Saturday, January 10, 2026- Google co‑founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page are significantly scaling back their business ties to California, relocating or dissolving dozens of companies and investment entities previously based in the state where they launched their tech empire.
In recent weeks, Brin moved or terminated about 15 California limited‑liability companies tied to his assets, with several re-registered in Nevada. Meanwhile, Page has shifted more than 45 entities out of California and established a presence in states like Delaware and Florida. These moves represent a clear retreat from the state long associated with their success.
The changes come amid growing concerns over a proposed California “billionaire tax,” a ballot initiative seeking to impose a one‑time 5% levy on residents with net worths exceeding $1 billion starting in 2026.
By restructuring their business holdings ahead of the residency deadline, Brin and Page appear to be positioning themselves to avoid potential retroactive tax liabilities. The initiative has already prompted other wealthy residents to reconsider their connections to California.
While both founders remain involved with Alphabet — Google’s parent company — and maintain some personal ties to California, their strategic pullback highlights how wealth policy shifts are influencing high‑net‑worth individuals’ decisions on where to live and operate.
Analysts suggest this trend could have broader implications for Silicon Valley’s status as a hub for innovation and high-value talent if more founders follow suit.
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