History
WeTransfer was founded in 2009 by Rinke Visser, Bas Beerens and Ronald Hans (Nalden) in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.[2] It was created to enable the sharing of large files (up to 2GB) free of charge.[3]
In 2012, WeTransfer implemented a re-design and introduced a 'Plus'[4] service with support for much larger file transfers (up to 5GB) and storage (50GB) as well as sending files to a maximum of 100 recipients for a price.[3]
In 2013, WeTransfer reached profitability.[5]
In 2014, WeTransfer launched "creative-class.tv", an ongoing video series. The company initiated its first bursaries that year through a collaborative partnership with Central Saint Martins.[6] These bursaries supported two students from around the globe in their full-time studies.
In 2015, WeTransfer raised a US$25 million Series A funding round from Highland Capital Partners Europe.[7] They also added venture capitalist Troy Carter to its board.[8]
WeTransfer file transfer limit is 200GB for pro subscribers as of September 2021.[9]
2016 – present
In 2016, WeTransfer announced the acquisition of digital design studio Present Plus,[10] established in 2010 by Damian Bradfield and WeTransfer co-founder Nalden.[10] In September, WeTransfer opened its first office in the United States at Venice Beach, Los Angeles.[11]
In early 2017, Gordon Willoughby became the company's Chief Executive Officer, taking over from Bas Beerens, who became Executive Chairman.[12]
In January 2018, WeTransfer launched content arm "WePresent".[13] In August, WeTransfer acquired app developer FiftyThree, who owned sketching app Paper and collaborative presentation app Paste.[14] In October, WeTransfer relaunched its mobile app with the name "Collect by WeTransfer".[15][16]
In June 2019, WeTransfer experienced a security incident in which files were "sent to the wrong people".[17] In August, the company closed a €35 million secondary funding round led by HPE Growth.[18]
In May 2020, India banned the WeTransfer app, citing security reasons.[19] In June, the company became a certified B Corporation.[20]
In February 2021, WeTransfer achieved carbon-neutral certification, having pledged the previous year to reduce emissions by 30% by 2025.[21] In March, the 2020 short film "The Long Goodbye" by Aneil Karia and Riz Ahmed commissioned by WeTransfer through WePresent won the 2022 Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film.[22] In April, the WeTransfer Foundation, "Supporting Act", focused on helping emerging creative talent was launched and the company pledged to donate 1% of revenues from 2022 onwards.[23] In October, WeTransfer announced sales in 2020 of €65m.[24]
In April 2021, Reuters reported that the WeTransfer logos and likeness were used in high-profile phishing scams.[25]
In January 2022, WeTransfer planned for an IPO for a valuation of up to $800 million but ended up canceling the offering shortly before listing citing market volatility.[26]
In 2022, Alexandar Vassilev took over as the company's Chief Executive Officer.[27]
Leadership
Bas Beerens founded the file-sharing platform WeTransfer[28] with Nalden (Ronald Hans) and Rinke Visser in 2009.[29] Beerens also runs the design consultancy OY Communications (initially OY Transfer) from which WeTransfer was developed.[30][31] In 2012, he founded WeMarket, a global B2B marketplace for buyers and suppliers in any industry.[32]
Damian Bradfield, co-founder, joined the company in 2010. Bradfield is currently WeTransfer's Chief Creative Officer.
Chief Executive Gordon Willoughby joined WeTransfer in January 2017.[33] He announced his departure from the company in May 2022 and was replaced by former Chief Technology Officer Alexandar Vassilev.[34]
Chief Financial Officer Melissa Nussbaum joined WeTransfer from King in September 2020.[35]
Martha Lane Fox joined WeTransfer as chair in July 2020.[36]
Technology
WeTransfer is based on Amazon's infrastructure and technology. It uses Amazon S3 for storage and for sending files.[37]
Services
WeTransfer offers a free service where users can send up to two gigabytes of data[38] and a paid option called WeTransfer Pro where users can send up to 200 gigabytes of data as well as have some additional customization options.[39] In May 2023, WeTransfer announced it reduced 78% of server emissions as part of its environmental commitments.[40]
Revenue model
WeTransfer has a dual revenue model split between advertising and premium ("pro") subscriptions.[41]
WeTransfer displays full-screen advertisements while transferring[42] instead of banner ads.[43] The company donates 30% of the advertising inventory to creatives and charitable causes.[44]
