Google looks for opportunities in dark days of recession

While most companies are hunkering down and trying to survive the recession, Google Inc. has other plans.

For Google it's not just a matter of getting through this economic turbulence, it's about trying to take advantage of it.

"There are undercurrents of fear and doubt. They're self-defeating," said Michael Jones, chief technology advocate for Google. "When people have their heads in the sand, it's a good time to do things. We can't help but feel for the people around us, but as a company, this is an opportunity for us."

Jones was quick to note he's not saying the big thinkers at Google are so brilliant that they have made the company recession proof. Not at all. But in a time when companies are synching up their purse strings to a near strangulation point, canceling projects along with big and small purchases, he thinks it's time to think beyond the down time. And when even good, experienced people are being laid off, Jones sees it as a chance to scoop up great new employees.

It's all about swimming against the stream, which Google did just that this week.

As most venture capital dries up due to a sinking economy, Google on Tuesday launched Google Ventures, a venture capital fund to invest in high-tech start-ups. The company reportedly plans to invest up to $100 million over the next year with a focus on consumer Internet, software, clean-tech, bio-tech and health care start-ups.

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