Bending Spoons, a Milan-based technology conglomerate, has recently garnered significant attention following its acquisition of iconic digital brands such as AOL and Vimeo. The company’s strategic approach involves revitalizing established tech entities, enhancing their operational efficiency, and integrating them into a centralized system.
Founded in 2013, Bending Spoons emerged from the remnants of Evertale, a Copenhagen-based startup known for its photo-sharing app, Wink. After Evertale’s closure, its founders, including CEO Luca Ferrari, continued their collaboration, initially focusing on developing in-house applications. This endeavor soon transitioned into acquiring and improving existing digital products, marking the beginning of Bending Spoons’ distinctive business model.
In October 2025, Bending Spoons announced its agreement to purchase AOL from Yahoo, backed by private equity firm Apollo. The acquisition was supported by a $2.8 billion debt financing package, underscoring the company’s commitment to investing in and revitalizing established digital brands. This move was part of a broader strategy that also saw the acquisition of Vimeo for approximately $1.38 billion in an all-cash deal.
Beyond AOL and Vimeo, Bending Spoons has expanded its portfolio to include other notable digital platforms. In 2022, the company acquired Evernote, a popular note-taking application, and Filmic, known for its video and photo-editing apps. Subsequent acquisitions in 2024 included Meetup, a platform for organizing group events, and WeTransfer, a file transfer service. These strategic purchases reflect Bending Spoons’ focus on integrating and enhancing digital services with substantial user bases.
Financially, Bending Spoons has demonstrated robust growth. In the first quarter of 2026, the company reported revenues of $601.3 million, a significant increase from $258.9 million in the same period the previous year. This growth trajectory was further bolstered by a successful initial public offering (IPO) in July 2026, where the company raised $1.7 billion, pricing shares at $29 each. The IPO valued Bending Spoons at $18.4 billion, with shares experiencing a 39.7% surge on the first day of trading, reaching a market value of $25.2 billion.
CEO Luca Ferrari has articulated a clear vision for the company’s future, emphasizing a long-term commitment to the brands it acquires. Unlike traditional private equity firms that may seek short-term gains, Bending Spoons aims to hold its acquisitions indefinitely, focusing on sustained improvement and integration. This strategy involves significant investments in technology and artificial intelligence to enhance product offerings and operational efficiency.
However, Bending Spoons’ approach has not been without controversy. The company has implemented layoffs and price adjustments in some of its acquired businesses, leading to public scrutiny. For instance, after acquiring Evernote, Bending Spoons reduced staff and modified the application’s free offerings. Despite these changes, the company reports that customer retention has remained stable, suggesting that users continue to find value in the improved services.
As Bending Spoons continues to expand its portfolio, it has identified over 1,000 potential acquisition targets, representing approximately $400 billion in annual revenue. This ambitious pipeline indicates the company’s intent to further solidify its position as a major player in the digital services sector.
Bending Spoons’ strategy of acquiring and revitalizing established digital brands presents a compelling case study in the tech industry. By focusing on long-term ownership and integration, the company challenges traditional private equity models and offers a unique approach to sustaining and enhancing digital services. As it continues to grow and evolve, Bending Spoons’ impact on the digital landscape will be a development worth monitoring.
