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What Is Bending Spoons? Everything to Know About AOL’s Acquirer

Bending Spoons has suddenly become one of tech’s most talked-about names after acquiring AOL. But what is Bending Spoons, and why is it buying some of the internet’s most iconic brands? Founded in Milan in 2013, this European tech company is known for acquiring struggling yet well-loved apps and reviving them with data-driven efficiency. With over 300 million monthly users and 10 million paying customers, Bending Spoons has quietly built one of the largest digital ecosystems outside Silicon Valley.

Image Credits:Bending Spoons

Who Owns Bending Spoons and How Big Is It?

Bending Spoons was founded by Luca Ferrari, Matteo Danieli, Luca Querella, and Francesco Patarnello—all of whom recently joined the billionaire ranks after the company’s valuation surged past $1 billion. According to Forbes, CEO Ferrari’s stake alone is worth around $1.4 billion, cementing the company as a powerhouse in Europe’s tech scene. Investors include T. Rowe Price, Baillie Gifford, and Fidelity, signaling strong confidence in the company’s growth strategy.

Why Did Bending Spoons Buy AOL?

The acquisition of AOL marks another bold move in Bending Spoons’ strategy to rebuild classic internet brands for the modern age. Much like its past takeovers of Evernote and WeTransfer, the company plans to streamline AOL’s operations, modernize its technology stack, and reintroduce it to today’s mobile-first audience. While the purchase amount remains undisclosed, the deal signals that Bending Spoons sees lasting value in legacy digital communities.

What Does Bending Spoons Do Differently?

Unlike traditional private equity firms, Bending Spoons doesn’t just buy and resell companies—it transforms them. The team focuses on making software more efficient and profitable, often by introducing subscription models and AI-driven user insights. Though this approach sometimes leads to controversial layoffs or product changes, it’s also resulted in revitalized platforms serving millions of active users.