WeTransfer

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WeTransfer B.V.
Company type
Private
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Headquarters
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
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ServicesSaaS
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OwnerBending Spoons
Number of employees
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Websitewetransfer.com/explore/

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WeTransfer B.V. is a Dutch Internet-based computer file transfer service company that was founded in 2009 and based in Amsterdam.[3] In 2024, the company was acquired by Bending Spoons.[4]

History

Early history

WeTransfer was founded in 2009 by Rinke Visser, Bas Beerens and Ronald Hans (Nalden) in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.[5][3] It was created to enable the sharing of large files (up to 2 GB) free of charge.[6]

In 2012, WeTransfer implemented a re-design and introduced a paid-for 'Plus' tier with support for larger file transfers.[6][7]

In 2014, WeTransfer launched "creative-class.tv", an ongoing video series. The company initiated its first bursaries that year through a collaborative partnership with Central Saint Martins.[8] These scholarships supported two students from around the globe in their full-time studies.

In 2015, WeTransfer raised a US$25 million Series A funding round from Highland Capital Partners Europe.[9] They also added venture capitalist Troy Carter to its board.[10][11]

2016–2022

In 2016, WeTransfer announced the acquisition of digital design studio Present Plus,[12] established in 2010 by Damian Bradfield and WeTransfer co-founder Nalden.[12] In September, WeTransfer opened its first office in the United States at Venice Beach, Los Angeles.[13]

In early 2017, Gordon Willoughby became the company's Chief Executive Officer, taking over from Bas Beerens, who became Executive Chairman.[14]

In January 2018, WeTransfer launched a content arm called "WePresent".[15] In August, WeTransfer acquired app developer FiftyThree, owner of sketching app Paper and collaborative presentation app Paste.[16] In October, WeTransfer relaunched its mobile app under the name "Collect by WeTransfer".[17][18]

In June 2019, WeTransfer experienced a security incident in which files were "sent to the wrong people".[19] In August, the company closed a €35 million secondary funding round led by HPE Growth.[20]

In May 2020, India banned WeTransfer, citing security reasons.[21] In June, the company became a certified B Corporation.[22]

In February 2021, WeTransfer claimed to have achieved carbon-neutral certification, having pledged the previous year to reduce emissions by 30% by 2025.[23] In March, the 2020 short film "The Long Goodbye" by Aneil Karia and Riz Ahmed commissioned by WeTransfer through WePresent won the 2022 Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film.[24] In April, the company launched a charitable arm known as "Supporting Act", focused on helping emerging creative talent, pledging to donate 1% of revenues from 2022 onwards.[25] In October, WeTransfer announced sales in 2020 of €65m.[26]

In April 2021, Reuters reported that the WeTransfer logos and likeness were used in high-profile phishing scams.[27]

In January 2022, WeTransfer planned for an IPO for a valuation of up to $800 million but ended up canceling the offering shortly before listing citing market volatility.[28]

In 2022, Alexandar Vassilev took over as the company's Chief Executive Officer.[29]

In May 2023, WeTransfer announced it reduced 78% of server emissions as part of its environmental commitments.[30]

Sale to Bending Spoons

In July 2024 Italian technology company Bending Spoons announced that it would acquire WeTransfer.[31]

In early September 2024, Bending Spoons' CEO Luca Ferrari announced that WeTransfer would be having layoffs, with 'up to 3/4 of the jobs' likely to be cut.[2][32]

Leadership

Bas Beerens founded the file-sharing platform WeTransfer[33] with Nalden (Ronald Hans) and Rinke Visser in 2009.[34]

Damian Bradfield joined the company as a "founding shareholder" in 2010.[35] Bradfield is currently WeTransfer's Chief Creative Officer.

Chief Executive Gordon Willoughby joined WeTransfer in January 2017.[36] He announced his departure from the company in May 2022 and was replaced by former Chief Technology Officer Alexandar Vassilev.[37]

Chief Financial Officer Melissa Nussbaum joined WeTransfer from King in September 2020.[38]

Martha Lane Fox joined WeTransfer as chair in July 2020.[39]

Technology

WeTransfer is based on Amazon's infrastructure and technology. It uses Amazon S3 for storage and for sending files.[40]

Services

WeTransfer offers a free, limited service, and a paid option called "Pro" where users can send and store more data.[41][42]

Revenue model

WeTransfer has a dual revenue model split between advertising and premium ("pro") subscriptions.[43]

WeTransfer displays full-screen advertisements while transferring[44] instead of banner ads.[45] The company donated 30% of the advertising inventory to creatives and charitable causes.[46]

Controversies

In July 2025, WeTransfer received criticism after changing its terms of service, which some interpreted as allowing it the right to use files for AI training.[47] The specific passage said that using WeTransfer gave the company the right to use the data "for the purposes of operating, developing, commercializing, and improving the Service or new technologies or services, including to improve performance of machine learning models that enhance our content moderation process, in accordance with the Privacy & Cookie Policy." In response, WeTransfer clarified its terms of service by removing any mention of machine learning.[48]

See also

References

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  1. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."WeTransfer owner seeks Amsterdam IPO, plans $182 mln share issue". Reuters. 2022-01-12. Retrieved 2022-05-30.
  2. ^ a b Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."FD: nieuwe eigenaar van WeTransfer schrapt driekwart van personeel". Tweakers (in Nederlands). Retrieved 2024-09-06.
  3. ^ a b Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Eva Oude Elferink (2013-10-21). "Nalden: 'Door het design van WeTransfer durven mensen het te gebruiken'". De Volkskrant (in Nederlands). Retrieved 2013-10-28.
  4. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Bergen,Bloomberg, Mark. "WeTransfer acquired by Bending Spoons, the Italian software powerhouse behind Evernote and Meetup". Fortune Europe. Archived from the original on 2024-08-22. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
  5. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Zeven, Martijn (3 June 2021). "Nederlands WeTransfer mikt op beurswaardering van €1 miljard" [Dutch WeTransfer aims for €1 billion market valuation]. Quote (in Nederlands). ISSN 0920-8275.
  6. ^ a b Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."WeTransfer". wetransfer.com. Retrieved 27 June 2017.
  7. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."WeTransfer: The Internet's Cleanest and Simplest File Sharing Drops a New Beta Version". HYPEBEAST. 2012-09-21. Archived from the original on 2022-05-30. Retrieved 2022-05-30.
  8. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."MA Material Futures Announces New Bursaries". Central Saint Martins. 28 January 2019. Retrieved 22 June 2020.
  9. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."Dutch startup WeTransfer just raised $25 million to expand into the US". Business Insider. Archived from the original on 2024-02-29. Retrieved 2023-06-07.
  10. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Segran, Elizabeth (9 November 2015). "Troy Carter Joins The Board Of WeTransfer". Fast Company. Archived from the original on 2022-07-01. Retrieved 27 June 2017.
  11. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Lunden, Ingrid (17 February 2015). "WeTransfer, Funky Dutch Cousin Of Dropbox And Box, Gets $25M To Go Large In The U.S." TechCrunch. Archived from the original on 2024-08-04. Retrieved 27 June 2017.
  12. ^ a b Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Lunden, Ingrid. "Dropbox rival WeTransfer acquires Present Plus to boost product and design teams". Techcrunch. Retrieved 27 June 2017.
  13. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Kissel, Chris (3 October 2016). "How to Make Your Tech Company Cool: Throw a Party With Kamasi Washington". LA Weekly. Retrieved 27 June 2017.
  14. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Lunden, Ingrid (15 December 2016). "WeTransfer's founder leaves CEO role, ex-Amazon exec steps in for commercial push". TechCrunch. Retrieved 27 June 2017.
  15. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Kiefer, Brittaney (December 13, 2021). "WeTransfer's Creative Work Has Qualified for the Oscars". Adweek. Retrieved 2022-03-03.
  16. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."WeTransfer buys creative apps Paper and Paste from FiftyThree". The Verge. Retrieved 2018-08-21.
  17. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Hardwick, Tim (October 30, 2018). "WeTransfer Relaunches Mobile File-Sharing App as 'Collect'". Mac Rumors. Retrieved 2 November 2018.
  18. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Lucic, Kristijan (October 29, 2018). "WeTransfer App Gets Rebranded To 'Collect by WeTransfer'". Android Headlines. Retrieved 2 November 2018.
  19. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."WeTransfer Security Incident Sent Files to the Wrong People". BleepingComputer. Archived from the original on 2020-11-12. Retrieved 2022-05-30.
  20. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.O'Hear, Steve (19 August 2019). "HPE Growth backs WeTransfer in €35M secondary funding round". TechCrunch. Retrieved 2020-07-20.
  21. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."WeTransfer 'Partially' Blocked in India, Company Says". NDTV Gadgets 360. 31 May 2020. Retrieved 2022-03-03.
  22. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Aziz, Afdhel. "WeTransfer Announces It Is Becoming A B-Corp". Forbes. Retrieved 2020-07-20.
  23. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."WeTransfer turns to offsets to achieve carbon-neutral certification". edie.net. 19 February 2021. Retrieved 2022-01-06.
  24. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."Riz Ahmed wins Oscar for The Long Goodbye". the Guardian. 2022-03-27. Retrieved 2022-07-26.
  25. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Tait, Simon (22 April 2021). "WeTransfer sets up foundation to train future creatives". artsindustry.co.uk. Retrieved 2022-01-06.
  26. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."WeTransfer Sales Jump to $76 Million in 2020 Before Possible IPO". Bloomberg.com. Bloomberg L.P. 25 October 2021. Retrieved 2022-01-06.
  27. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Browne, Ryan (2021-04-24). "Fake 'WeTransfer' file download steals Aussies' personal details". Yahoo. Retrieved 2023-01-03.
  28. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Browne, Ryan (2022-01-27). "The stock market is so volatile that one European tech firm has canceled its IPO". CNBC. Retrieved 2022-05-30.
  29. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Levingston, Ivan (2022-05-03). "WeTransfer Boss Willoughby to Exit, CTO Vassilev to Succeed". Bloomberg News.
  30. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."Tech tackles carbon: WeTransfer and Apple confirm emissions cuts, TikTok moves to tackle climate misinformation". www.businessgreen.com. 2023-04-21. Retrieved 2023-05-02.
  31. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Pollina, Elvira (31 July 2024). Weir, Keith (ed.). "Italy's Bending Spoons buys file sharing service WeTransfer". Reuters. Retrieved 31 July 2024.
  32. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Mehta, Ivan (2024-09-08). "Bending Spoons plans to lay off 75% of WeTransfer staff after acquisition". TechCrunch. Archived from the original on 2024-09-09. Retrieved 2024-09-09.
  33. ^ Send large files to clients with these 11 free tools on creativebloq.com. Retrieved 16 July 2018
  34. ^ Gratis en eenvoudig grote bestanden te delen met WeTransfer on eenmanierom.nl. Retrieved 16 July 2018
  35. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Holmes, Barry J. (24 June 2018). "Damian Bradfield — the WeTransfer boss who ships 1bn files a month". The Sunday Times. Retrieved 26 November 2019.
  36. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."File-sending scaleup WeTransfer CEO Gordon Willoughby on becoming a B Corp: 'It fits our purpose'". 2020-06-10. Retrieved 2022-02-28.
  37. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."WeTransfer Boss Willoughby to Exit, CTO Vassilev to Succeed". Bloomberg L.P. 2022-05-03. Retrieved 2022-05-30.
  38. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Trentmann, Nina (2020-09-24). "File-Sharing Company WeTransfer Names First CFO". The Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved 2022-03-03.
  39. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Aziz, Afdhel. "WeTransfer Announces It Is Becoming A B-Corp". Forbes. Retrieved 2022-02-28.
  40. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."AWS Case Study: WeTransfer". Amazon Web Services, Inc. Retrieved 2019-05-22.
  41. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."Controlling the cloud: how to make the most of your online storage". The Irish Times. Retrieved 2022-05-31.
  42. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."How to share huge files online". Popular Science. 2022-03-26. Retrieved 2022-05-31.
  43. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."WeTransfer Case Study". Amazon Web Services, Inc. Retrieved 2022-05-30.
  44. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."Behance". behance.net. April 2011. Retrieved 27 June 2017.
  45. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."How The Cofounder Of WeTransfer Went From Blog To Startup". Fast Company. 13 February 2014. Retrieved 27 June 2017.
  46. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Budds, Diana (2017-10-12). "WeTransfer's Plan To Disrupt The Creative Process". Fast Company. Retrieved 2022-03-02.
  47. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."WeTransfer says files not used to train AI after backlash". BBC News. 2025-07-15. Retrieved 2025-07-16.
  48. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Eric Hal Schwartz (2025-07-16). "WeTransfer's confusing terms of service clause prompts reassurances that it doesn't use uploaded files to train AI models". TechRadar. Retrieved 2025-07-16.

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