Request for Investment Proposals FAQ


Is there a geographic focus to this RFP?
We are seeking technologies that have the potential for global impact.  In other words, technologies must be scalable.  We welcome submissions from companies headquartered anywhere in the world. 

What type of entity do I need to be to be considered?
You should be incorporated under your local laws as a private company that can issue equity shares.  In the United States, this is a C Corporation.

Where and when should I submit my proposal?  
Proposals should be submitted at www.google.org/recharge/rfpform no later than October 22, 2007.  We will begin considering responses in September, so you are encouraged to respond as quickly as possible.

Who will be reviewing my proposal?
Your proposal will be reviewed by Google employees, as well as a team of external advisers with expertise in EVs, PHEVs and V2G.  

When and how can I expect to hear from Google?
We hope to respond to all proposals in a timely fashion, the exact timing of which will be dependent on the number of submissions.  If you are selected to move forward, we will send you an email requesting a full proposal.  If you are not selected, we will send you email notification.

How will you decide companies in which to invest?
From the pool of full proposals, we will meet with select companies and offer investment to a subset of those.  

What size investments will you make?
We expect to make investments between $500,000 and $2,000,000 each. 

What form will the investment take?
We expect that all investments will take the form of convertible note, which is a loan that converts into equity at the terms of the next equity round.  We will make available a form of note to all companies selected to move forward to the next round at that time.  While we haven't fully worked out all the details, we envision all Google investments will be made with the same terms.  Of course, your company will be asked to provide standard representations and warranties covering your corporate status, and your ability to incur this debt obligation without conflicting with your company's other requirements, and other customary matters.

We believe an investment for general corporate purposes in early stage companies allows entrepreneurs flexibility in building their teams and businesses, and can position them well for subsequent round equity venture or angel investors participating.  In framing this structure, we are seeking to encourage more entrepreneurs with great ideas to begin working on practical and realizable solutions to addressing the challenge of global climate change. 

What if I need to raise more than $2,000,000?
You are welcome to seek funding from other sources, such as venture capital.  If you do raise venture capital, Google's investment can simply convert at the same terms as the VC investment.  If you have other financing arranged, you can include that information in your proposal.

Will Google take a board seat on my company?
No.  For some (and likely not all) winners, we may request board observation rights.

If I am selected for investment as part of this RFP process, do I have to take it?
No, if at any point during this process you do not wish to take investment from Google, you are under no obligation to do so. 

Will you sign an NDA?
Because of the expected volume, we will not be able to sign NDAs at this stage. If there is confidential information that you cannot include without an NDA, do not include it in your proposal.  Please know that judges will be reviewing many presentations, and at any time Google may make investments in entities similar to or competing with those entering this RFP.

Can I meet with Google in person?
For this stage, we will not be meeting with respondents. 

Is there an entry fee?
No.

Can I submit two responses?
We recommend that you focus all of your effort on a single response. 

In what language should my response be written?
For administrative purposes, we prefer that all submissions be in English.

What about non-profits and advocacy groups? Can I apply for a grant as part of this RFP?
This RFP is focused exclusively on investments in for-profit start-up companies. Google.org has made, and will continue to make, grants in the transportation space, but not as part of this RFP.

If a Google employee or director or affiliated person is already an investor in or affiliated with my company, may I still apply?
Yes, if you clearly disclose all the facts about that relationship in your submission.  If, in our judgment, making an investment in your company would cloud the objectivity or integrity of our processes, we won't be able to advance your submission to the next round.

What are the other legal rules of engagement?

Respondents should not submit any information or other materials that they consider to be confidential or proprietary. Because of the large number of business plans and related materials that we review, and the similarity of many such plans and materials, we cannot accept responsibility for protecting against misuse or disclosure of any confidential or proprietary information or other materials in the absence of our express written agreement to do so.

All statements in this RFP, and any pre-contract negotiations, understandings and agreements resulting from this RFP are preliminary.  The initiation and continuation of any process does not constitute or imply any commitment of any kind by Google.  Google has no obligation whatsoever to any Respondent until a formal written contract is executed, and then only to the extent set forth in such contract. Google reserves all rights to (i) reject any proposal; (ii) terminate this RFP; (iii) negotiate with one or more Respondents; (iv) make no award to any of the Respondents; (v) contract with one or more Respondent; and (vi) modify the requirements and terms of this RFP and request revised proposals from some or all of the Respondents.

Google is not under any obligation to reveal how a proposal or any responses were assessed or to provide information relative to its decision-making process.   This RFP does not commit Google to reimburse Respondents for any costs incurred in submission of this proposal.

Only members of the authorized Google.org evaluation team, meeting in their official capacity, can clarify issues or render any opinion regarding this RFP.  No individual member of Google, employee of Google, agent of Google, or member of the Google.org evaluation team is empowered to make binding statements regarding this RFP.    

What if I have other questions?  May I contact Google.org or a Google employee directly to have them addressed?
You may submit procedural questions to rfphelp@google.com.  Because of the number of responses we expect, we will not be able to offer any individualized feedback on your proposal or business planning process.  If we see common questions arising, we will make additions to this FAQ.  Please do not contact Google.org or Google employees directly.