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If working for/with Google is the goal, I feel like it would be much more worthwhile and possibly significantly increase the chances of working for/with them to create a startup in an area you know Google is looking. Much easier said than done, but something tells me this approach would be much more likely to get their attention... plus, you'd probably get a hefty chunk of change should you join forces.

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I always figured this would be the path I'd take - found a successful startup and get bought by Google. Instead, the startup floundered and I got hired by Google anyway.

Regardless of how tough it is to get into Google, founding a successful startup is still tougher. Plus, if you're only looking to get bought by Google, you'll be overlooking many other options, and will decrease your negotiating leverage accordingly. If you want to work at Google, apply to work at Google, and if you want to found a startup, found a startup. But don't confuse your motivations for the two of them, because you'll be doing a disservice both to your startup and to your chances of working at Google.

All very true. I actually meant to mention something along those lines but it's been a long day... I should have mentioned that being successful with your own startup is overall more important because you are definitely not guaranteed an exit/acquisition. But keeping exits/acquisitions in mind while creating your infrastructure will greatly increase your ease and your chances of expansion and/or acquisition.

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