Opera Software
Opera Software is a company.
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Key people at Opera Software.
Opera Software is a company.
Key people at Opera Software.
# Opera Software: 30 Years of Browser Innovation
Opera Software is a web browser company founded in Norway that develops and distributes cross-platform browsing products for computers, mobile devices, and connected systems.[1][7] The company serves hundreds of millions of users worldwide by creating fast, secure, and feature-rich browsers designed to work across any device and network condition.[7] Opera's core mission centers on democratizing internet access—ensuring that everyone, regardless of their device or connectivity, can experience the web effectively.[3]
Today, Opera operates as a publicly traded company on the NASDAQ stock exchange with a market capitalization of approximately $845.7 million and annual revenue of $481 million (2024).[1][2] The company maintains its headquarters in Oslo, Norway, where it was founded, while operating development hubs in Sweden and teams across Europe, Africa, and Latin America.[7]
Opera began in 1994 as a research project within Telenor, Norway's largest telecommunications company, when two computer scientists—Jon Stephenson von Tetzchner and Geir Ivarsøy—started coding a desktop web browser.[4][5] Initially called MultiTorg Opera, the browser was rejected by Telenor's management. Undeterred, the founders obtained the rights to their software and established Opera Software ASA as an independent company in 1995, enabling them to continue development.[6]
The first publicly available version, Opera 2.10, launched in 1996 exclusively for Windows.[1][2] Early adoption was modest because the browser required payment after a trial period. A pivotal moment came in 2000 when Opera 5.0 became free, dramatically expanding its user base.[2] The company's vision extended beyond desktop computing—recognizing the emerging mobile market, Opera released Opera Mini in 2005, a data-efficient browser that became one of the world's most popular mobile browsers and enabled users of basic phones to access the web.[1][3]
Opera occupies a unique position in the browser ecosystem as an independent innovator that has consistently introduced features later adopted by competitors like Chrome and Firefox. While dominated by Chromium-based browsers, Opera's continued investment in cross-platform development reflects broader trends toward device fragmentation and the need for optimized experiences across IoT, mobile, and desktop environments.
The company's emphasis on data efficiency and accessibility aligns with growing demand for technology that serves emerging markets and users with limited connectivity—a demographic representing billions of potential internet users. Opera's 2018 transition to public markets and subsequent ownership by Chinese consortium Kunlun Tech (controlled by Zhou Yahui) signals the strategic value investors place on established browser technology and user bases.[1][2]
Opera's 30-year trajectory demonstrates the enduring value of browser technology despite market consolidation around Chromium. With 350 million users across multiple platforms, the company has evolved from a niche desktop browser into a diversified platform serving mobile-first and emerging-market users.[2]
Looking forward, Opera's growth will likely depend on deepening its presence in underserved markets where data efficiency remains critical, expanding its mobile and IoT browser offerings, and leveraging its position as an alternative to Chromium-dominated competitors. As web experiences increasingly extend beyond traditional computers—into wearables, vehicles, and smart devices—Opera's cross-platform expertise positions it to capture demand from users and manufacturers seeking non-Chromium options. The company's ability to maintain independence while competing against tech giants will define whether it remains a meaningful player or becomes a niche product for privacy-conscious and emerging-market users.
Key people at Opera Software.
