How a cold email to Sergey Brin at 3 am changed Google Android chief's life

Sameer Samat holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from the University of California.

Sameer Samat, President of the Android Ecosystem at Google, has revealed how a cold email he sent at 3:00 am to Google co-founder Sergey Brin in 1999 became a turning point in his life and career. In a recent interview with Business Insider, Samat detailed how the impromptu exchange opened doors to mentorship, funding, and opportunities that shaped his entrepreneurial and professional journey.

“This is 1999, 3 am email,” Samat told Business Insider, recounting how he reached out to Brin while grappling with a pivotal decision — whether to pursue his startup or attend graduate school. “‘What would you do in this situation? I’m sure you had to wrestle with this grad school decision,’” he wrote to Brin, seeking honest advice from someone he admired.

To his surprise, Brin responded within a minute, inviting Samat to Google’s office for a discussion. What followed was an informal yet transformative meeting. Brin introduced him to several engineers at the company, and Samat underwent an impromptu interview. Although he received a job offer, Samat declined, choosing instead to focus on building his startup, Mohomine.

Despite turning down the offer, Brin continued to support Samat. He not only provided valuable guidance but also connected him with investors, some of whom went on to fund Mohomine. The startup was later acquired by Kofax, which is now known as Tungsten Automation.

Reflecting on Brin’s generosity, Samat said, “He didn’t have to do any of that. And so I try to pay that forward, too, when people call me up with something similar.”

Samat’s professional journey eventually led him back to Google in 2008, where he joined as Director of Product Management. Over the years, he rose through the ranks, becoming Vice President of Product Management for Google Shopping, and later General Manager for both Google Shopping and Travel. In 2015, he briefly left the company to serve as President at tech firm Jawbone, but returned to Google just nine months later, this time to lead the Android Ecosystem as VP/GM.

In his current role, Samat oversees the strategic direction and global development of the Android platform. Most recently, he announced a significant leadership restructure, merging the Android and ChromeOS teams under his leadership.

Known for his belief in bold, entrepreneurial decision-making, Samat has often spoken about the value of taking risks early in one’s career. He advocates for following one's passion even when the path is uncertain. “Sometimes naivety helps entrepreneurs,” he said, encouraging aspiring founders to pursue ideas with courage and conviction, even if they lack complete knowledge of the obstacles ahead.

Samat holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from the University of California, San Diego, and later completed the Program for Management Development at Harvard Business School.