What is Bending Spoons? The little-known AOL and Vimeo owner that’s now public

Bending Spoons is a name you rarely hear, yet its apps have quietly reached over a billion users. The Milan-based company now owns AOL and Vimeo — and in late 2023, it went public on the Euronext Milan.

A portfolio built on acquired classics

The company started in 2013 with a focus on mobile productivity tools. Its first hit was a camera app called Splice, followed by video editor Filmic and note-taking app Evernote, which it acquired in 2022. Today, Bending Spoons controls at least 20 products, including the popular workout app 7 Minute Workout and puzzle game Red Herring.

The biggest deals: AOL and Vimeo

In 2024 alone, the company made two game-changing moves. First, it bought Vimeo for $350 million in cash. Then, just weeks later, it acquired AOL and its suite of advertising technology for an undisclosed sum from Yahoo. AOL’s legacy includes brands like TechCrunch and Engadget, though Bending Spoons has not confirmed any plans for those sites.

Why this matters for EU business owners

Bending Spoons operates under GDPR and handles data for millions of European users. If you run an e-commerce or media site on Cyprus, note that this company now controls several platforms that process video, ads, and subscriptions. That shift may affect how you integrate third-party tools or negotiate ad inventory.

For example, Vimeo’s enterprise tier costs roughly €1,200/year per account. If you’re building a multilingual site (EN, RU, EL) and need video hosting that respects GDPR, Vimeo is one option — but post-acquisition pricing or features could change.

Financials and structure

Bending Spoons reported €367 million in revenue for 2024, up 40% year-over-year. The company has about 400 employees total, a lean team for a billion-user reach. Its IPO on Euronext Milan valued it at €1.5 billion. Founder Luca Ferrari remains CEO, and the company is profitable — uncommon for a growth-stage tech firm.

What to watch

If you use Vimeo for client video portfolios, or if your agency relies on Evernote for project notes, keep an eye on subscription changes. Bending Spoons often raises prices after acquisitions — and it has a history of converting free users to paid tiers.

For Cypriot and EU businesses, the real impact is indirect: fewer independent video and ad platforms means fewer localised options. If you need a GDPR-compliant video solution, factor in a backup plan now.