Bending Spoons, the Italian tech giant, has made headlines with its recent $18 billion IPO, showcasing a unique approach to success and growth. The company's co-founder, Matteo Danieli, emphasizes the importance of minimizing luck and focusing on strategy, a philosophy that has guided their journey. With a history of acquiring beloved internet brands and transforming them with tech, Bending Spoons has built a reputation for innovation and operational excellence.
One of the key strategies Danieli highlights is their commitment to talent acquisition and development. By investing heavily in hiring and culture, they have built a team that excels at spotting talent, even when it comes to young individuals without a proven track record. This focus on talent has contributed to their impressive revenue growth, with revenue per full-time equivalent Spooner increasing significantly from $1.12 million in 2023 to $2.57 million in 2025, and $0.97 million in Q1 2026.
Bending Spoons' approach to acquisitions is also noteworthy. They prioritize companies that are genuinely loved by users, such as Evernote, and strive to win over users with their changes. This commitment to user satisfaction has earned them praise from industry experts, including Evernote co-founder Phil Libin.
The company's tagline, 'Impossible. Maybe,' reflects their ambitious yet realistic approach to business. They have faced challenges in the past, such as layoffs and criticism from long-term subscribers, but their focus on operational excellence and data-driven decision-making has helped them navigate these obstacles.
Looking ahead, Bending Spoons plans to continue its acquisitive strategy, taking advantage of slashed SaaS valuations and expanding its presence in the tech industry. With a strong foundation in talent acquisition and a commitment to minimizing luck, they are poised for continued success and growth in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
