Bending Spoons is a remarkable success story in the tech world, particularly in the mobile application market. Founded in 2013 in Copenhagen, Denmark, by a group of talented individuals—Luca Ferrari, Francesco Patarnello, Matteo Danieli, Luca Querella, and Tomasz Greber—the company has roots that extend deep into Italy, where most of its founders hail from. This unique blend of international and Italian influences has shaped Bending Spoons into a leading player in the app development industry.
The name “Bending Spoons” pays homage to a famous scene from the movie The Matrix, where a child bends a spoon with the power of thought. This reflects the company’s innovative spirit and ambition to reshape the digital landscape. Just months after its inception, the founders decided to relocate the startup to Milan, Italy, in 2014, where they could leverage their local connections and cultural insights to drive their projects forward.
Bending Spoons quickly gained recognition for its commitment to creating a positive work environment. In 2019, the company was awarded first place in the Best Workplaces in Italy for companies with 50-149 employees, a title it successfully defended the following year. This recognition highlights Bending Spoons’ dedication to employee well-being, making it an attractive workplace for women, millennials, and tech talent from prestigious companies like Google and Apple. The company began to make waves in the tech community early on. In 2014, they had a pivotal conversation with Riccardo Zacconi, CEO of King Digital Entertainment, known for Candy Crush Saga. This interaction provided invaluable insights that helped shape Bending Spoons’ future endeavors.
One of the most notable achievements of Bending Spoons came during the COVID-19 pandemic when they developed “Immuni,” an official app for the Italian government. This application played a crucial role in tracking infections and notifying users of potential exposure to the virus. Developed in collaboration with the Centro Medico Santagostino, Immuni was made available to the government at no cost, showcasing Bending Spoons’ commitment to social responsibility.
By 2021, Bending Spoons was recognized by the Financial Times as one of the 100 fastest-growing companies, a testament to its innovative products that span various domains, including photo editing, wellness, entertainment, and document management. Among its most popular applications is WeTransfer, a user-friendly file-sharing service that caters primarily to creatives but is accessible to anyone. The basic version is free, with premium features available for a fee.
Other notable applications include StreamYard, a professional live streaming service; Remini, an AI-powered photo editing tool; Splice, a video editing suite; and Meetup, an app designed to help users find activities and events to foster new friendships.
In 2022, Bending Spoons expanded its portfolio by acquiring Evernote, further solidifying its position in the tech industry. With a focus on innovation and a commitment to creating a positive workplace culture, Bending Spoons continues to thrive as a beacon of success in the European tech landscape.
