Francesco Patarnello (Bending Spoons)
Overview
Francesco Patarnello is an Italian entrepreneur and one of the co-founders of Bending Spoons, a prominent technology conglomerate based in Milan, Italy. Bending Spoons, established in 2013, has garnered international acclaim for its innovative development and management of mobile applications and digital products. Patarnello, alongside his co-founders Luca Ferrari, Matteo Danieli, Luca Querella, and Tomasz Greber, transformed Bending Spoons from a small startup into a global leader in the tech industry. The company is known for acquiring existing products with a strong market fit and enhancing them for long-term growth. Bending Spoons' portfolio includes notable brands such as Evernote, Vimeo, and StreamYard, among others.
Recent Developments
- October 2025: Bending Spoons announced the acquisition of AOL from Apollo Global Management’s Yahoo for approximately $1.4 billion. This acquisition is part of the company's strategy to expand its reach in the tech industry and revitalize historic internet services.
- September 2025: The company completed the acquisition of Vimeo for $1.38 billion, aiming to leverage the video sharing platform’s existing user base and technological infrastructure.
- June 2025: Bending Spoons acquired Harvest, a professional services software provider, to further diversify its product offerings.
- March 2025: The company purchased Komoot, a German planning and navigation app for outdoor activities, for nearly €300 million. Following this, a significant portion of the staff was laid off as part of restructuring efforts.
- January 2024 - December 2024: Bending Spoons undertook several acquisitions, including Brightcove (a video platform company), WeTransfer, Issuu, and Meetup. These strategic moves were aimed at expanding the company’s influence in digital publishing and file-sharing sectors.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Francesco Patarnello |
| Born | 1985, Padua, Italy |
| Nationality | Italian |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur |
| Known For | Co-Founder of Bending Spoons |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1.3 billion |
| Education | Technical University of Denmark, Università degli Studi di Padova |
Early Life and Education
Francesco Patarnello was born in 1985 in Padua, Italy. He demonstrated an early interest in technology and entrepreneurship, which led him to pursue higher education in engineering. Patarnello attended the Technical University of Denmark and Università degli Studi di Padova, where he honed his technical skills and developed a passion for software development and business strategy. His formative years were influenced by the burgeoning tech scene in Europe, inspiring him to venture into the startup ecosystem.
Career and Notable Achievements
Francesco Patarnello's professional journey began with a venture-funded startup called Evertale, which later became the seed capital for Bending Spoons. As a co-founder, Patarnello played a crucial role in the company's strategic direction and growth:
- 2013: Co-founded Bending Spoons in Copenhagen, Denmark, which later relocated to Milan.
- 2020: Developed 'Immuni,' an official COVID-19 contact tracing app for the Italian government.
- 2022-2025: Led multiple high-profile acquisitions, including Evernote, Vimeo, and AOL, positioning Bending Spoons as a significant player in the global tech industry.
- 2025: Achieved billionaire status with a company valuation of over $11 billion following a successful funding round.
Current Work and Impact
As of 2025, Francesco Patarnello continues to co-lead Bending Spoons, focusing on strategic growth through acquisitions and technological innovation. Under his leadership, Bending Spoons has become a major force in the tech industry, known for its sustainable business model and impactful digital products. Patarnello's work has significantly influenced the mobile application sector, setting industry standards for app development and market strategies.
Conclusion
Francesco Patarnello's journey from a young engineer to a prominent tech entrepreneur is a testament to his visionary leadership and strategic acumen. As a co-founder of Bending Spoons, Patarnello has played a pivotal role in transforming the company into a global tech leader. With a focus on expanding their digital ecosystem, Patarnello and his co-founders have established Bending Spoons as a trailblazer in the technology industry, leaving a lasting legacy on the innovation landscape.