After $18B IPO, Bending Spoons founder says success comes from minimizing luck

Updated 8 July 2026 3:02 PM

{
"title": "Bending Spoons IPO: 18‑Billion‑Dollar Debut and a Founder’s Lesson on Luck",
"excerpt": "The Milan‑based tech firm that quietly snapped up brands like Meetup, Vimeo and WeTransfer has gone public at an $18 billion valuation. Co‑founder Matteo Danieli says the secret to their success is “minimising luck” – a lesson learned from a failed startup.",
"body_html": "<p>In a headline‑making move, Bending Spoons, the Italian software house that has quietly acquired a string of beloved but struggling internet brands, went public on the Nasdaq today. The company opened at a valuation of more than $18 billion and its shares surged 40% by the close of trading.</p>nn<h2>Bending Spoons Goes Public</h2>n<p>Founded 13 years ago, Bending Spoons has built a reputation for turning around ailing digital properties. The firm’s strategy blends private‑equity tactics with a tech‑first mindset, aiming to upgrade user experience, streamline operations and then hold the assets for the long term. The IPO marks the first time the company has offered shares to the public, bringing a new level of scrutiny and opportunity.</p>nn<h2>Strategic Acquisitions</h2>n<p>Over the past decade, Bending Spoons has quietly purchased several high‑profile internet brands. The list includes:</p>n<ul>n <li>Meetup – a social networking platform for organising local events</li>n <li>Eventbrite – an online ticketing and event management service</li>n <li>Vimeo – a video‑hosting and streaming platform</li>n <li>WeTransfer – a file‑sharing service popular among creatives</li>n <li>Other niche brands across media, productivity and lifestyle sectors</li>n</ul>n<p>Unlike a typical flip‑and‑sell model, Bending Spoons intends to keep these brands, investing in technology upgrades and operational efficiencies to unlock sustainable growth.</p>nn<h2>Founder’s Take on Luck</h2>n<p>During the IPO roadshow, co‑founder and chief product officer Matteo Danieli emphasized that the company’s trajectory is not a product of sheer luck. He explained that the firm’s success stems from a deliberate process of “minimising luck” – learning from past failures and systematically applying those lessons to new ventures.</p>n<p>Danieli’s comments echo a broader narrative in the startup world: that resilience, rigorous strategy and continuous learning often outweigh random serendipity. He noted that Bending Spoons’ first venture failed, but the experience sharpened the team’s approach to identifying, acquiring and improving distressed digital assets.</p>nn<h2>Implications for the Tech Landscape</h2>n<p>Bending Spoons’ IPO signals a growing appetite for tech firms that specialise in turning around legacy internet brands. The company’s model offers a middle ground between traditional private‑equity buyouts and pure software development, appealing to investors who seek both stability and upside potential.</p>n<p>Key takeaways for the industry include:</p>n<ul>n <li><strong>Strategic Acquisition Playbook:</strong> A focus on beloved brands with loyal user bases can create a resilient portfolio that benefits from network effects and brand equity.</li>n <li><strong>Tech‑First Transformation:</strong> Investing in product improvements, data analytics and user experience can unlock hidden value in mature platforms.</li>n <li><strong>Long‑Term Holding:</strong> Holding assets rather than flipping them allows for incremental growth and

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