[Proziam]

Alternatively, they could simply have invested in every tech company at the time. Today, it's rather well known that some 3 letter agencies have an uncomfortable relationship (sometimes not even a consensual one) with large companies. It's not unthinkable to me that an organization like the CIA could have had a hand in 'supporting' businesses like Google.

On the other hand, I can totally imagine that having some support from the government itself could be a pretty significant advantage. Perhaps even enough of one to become a market leader.

With all that said, I hardly need a grand conspiracy to dislike both Google and organizations like the CIA.