Gmail emerged from the work of Paul Buchheit, a computer engineer who served as the 23rd employee at Google. Born in 1977 in Webster, New York, he built the original prototype for the company's AdSense platform and famously proposed the "Don't be evil" motto during a 2000 meeting focused on corporate values.
Early Education
Buchheit pursued his studies at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. During his time at the university, he focused on computer engineering and participated in the institution's rowing crew before beginning his professional career in the technology sector.
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Take the IQ test →Contributions to Google
After a tenure at Intel, Buchheit joined Google during its early growth phase. In 2001, he initiated the development of Gmail, introducing significant advancements in storage and search capabilities for web-based email. While working on this project, he also constructed the foundational prototype for the AdSense advertising model.
Entrepreneurship and Investment
Buchheit departed Google in 2006 to co-found FriendFeed alongside Bret Taylor. The platform launched in 2007 and was eventually purchased by Facebook in 2009, leading to Buchheit’s brief employment at the firm. By 2010, he transitioned to the investment sector, joining Y Combinator as a partner. His investment activity began earlier, with $1.21 million deployed across 32 companies between 2006 and 2008. He continues to manage a portfolio of approximately 40 startup investments.
Professional Recognition
In 2011, The Economist recognized his contributions to the industry by granting him an innovation award in the field of computing and telecommunications. His career includes professional associations with Microsoft, Meta Platforms, and Google, while his roles have encompassed work as a businessperson, game programmer, and computer scientist.
Fast facts
- Born: 1977, Webster, New York
- Education: Case Western Reserve University
- Career Start: Intel
- Google Employee Number: 23
- Notable Creation: Gmail
- FriendFeed Launch: 2007
- Investment Firm: Y Combinator
- Award: 2011 The Economist innovation award
Questions readers ask
Did Paul Buchheit create the "Don't be evil" motto?
He proposed the phrase in a 2000 meeting regarding company values, though it was originally coined by engineer Amit Patel in 1999.
What was the result of the FriendFeed acquisition?
FriendFeed was purchased by Facebook in 2009 in a private transaction, after which Buchheit joined the company as an employee.
Achievements
- Notable work: FriendFeed
- Affiliated with Microsoft, Meta and Google
- Educated at Case Western Reserve University
- Worked as computer scientist, game programmer and engineer
