WeTransfer is a cloud-based computer file transfer service. The company was founded in Amsterdam (the Netherlands) by Bas Beerens and Nalden.[2] The core service is free, with more features available for premium accounts. Free users can send files up to 2GB; WeTransfer ‘Plus’ supports sending files up to 20GB[3] and offers features like password protection, channel customization and 100 GB storage.
History[edit]
Early development and launch[edit]
WeTransfer was founded in 2009[8] and evolved from Beerens’s frustration at not being able to share large files easily. WeTransfer had to be ‘simple enough for your parents to use’.[9] Nalden, widely known in the Netherlands for his blog Nalden.net, was approached by Beerens and added the idea of the full screen background imagery.[8] After the potential of the service became apparent, WeTransfer was turned into a stand-alone business.[8]
2010 - 2012[edit]
In 2012, WeTransfer implemented a re-design and introduced its premium ‘Plus’ offering, which included bigger file transfers as well as storage, an address book, and the ability to password protect your files.[8]
2013 - 2015[edit]
Self-funded from its launch in 2009, WeTransfer reached profitability in 2013.[10] In 2014, WeTransfer launched creativeclass.tv, an ongoing video series, to illustrate how influential people in the global creative industries marry technology with their passion and skills across music, art, fashion, design, and beyond. In that same year, WeTransfer also initiated its first bursaries through a collaborative partnership with Central Saint Martins.[11] These bursaries supported two students from around the globe in their full-time studies.
In 2015, WeTransfer raised a $25 million Series A funding round from Highland Capital Partners Europe.[12] WeTransfer indicated that the investment would be used to continue product innovation and further build its brand across the United States, Europe, and beyond.
In that same year, the company added to its board Troy Carter, venture capitalist and talent manager to artists like Lady Gaga and Meghan Trainor.[13]
2016 - Present[edit]
In 2016, WeTransfer announced the acquisition of digital design and innovation studio Present Plus, to further its commitment to design-driven products and technology.[14] Established in 2010 by Damian Bradfield and WeTransfer co-founder Nalden, Present Plus focused on making technology simple and useful, and creating content worth sharing [16]. Its award-winning work attracted clients like adidas, MR PORTER, British Airways, Sonos and Christie’s.
In September 2016 WeTransfer opened their first office in the United States, in Venice Beach, Los Angeles.[15] In early 2017, Gordon Willoughby became the company’s Chief Executive Officer, taking over from Founder and Chief Executive Bas Beerens, who stepped back from day-to-day operations to become Executive Chairman.[16]
Since its launch, WeTransfer has grown to a team of 90 employees. Currently, 40 million active users across 195 countries transfer one billion files per month.[8]
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