Google has launched a venture capital arm dedicated to finding the next big thing in technology. The concept is simple. If you're a hot young start-up with oodles of potential Google will hand you a sack full of cash. What could be nicer? Thanks Google.

The blog written by the guys in charge of this new initiative, Rich Miner and Bill Maris, is full of words like 'amazing', ‘awesome' and ‘exceptional'.'

‘The current downturn is the ideal time to invest in nascent companies that have the chance to be the next big thing,' it reads.

Sounds great. Where do I sign?

However, there is a catch, and it comes in the form of three words buried deep in the Google Ventures website: ‘significant financial return.'

It goes without saying that Google wants to make some money from its philanthopism - and encouraging innovation in a downturn in wholly admirable - but surely taking money from Google is like having Darth Vader round for dinner?

He'd be polite at first, he might even bring a bottle of wine, but sooner or later he's going to cut you in half with his light saber, move into your house and take over the universe.