It doesn't matter if they're successful or not. The point is that bright, hard-working people left Google, and chances are, they won't be back even if the start

It doesn't matter if they're successful or not. The point is that bright, hard-working people left Google, and chances are, they won't be back even if the startup doesn't pan out. If they try out their idea in Area 120 instead, then a) Google can own the product if it ends up being good b) It has a better chance at success with Google behind it c) If it fails, the "founders" are more likely to rejoin the mothership