[bitmapbrother]

Google is just one of many series A investors in Niantic:

Alsop Louie Partners

Cyan Banister

Google

Lucas Nealan

Nintendo

Pokémon

Scott Banister

You & Mr Jones Brandtech Ventures

[eloisant]

Yes, but being a spin-off from Google I imagine most of their employees are ex-Googlers and as such have a good network inside Google.