Otello

Otello Corporation, formerly known as Opera Software ASA, traces its origins back to 1995 when it was founded in Norway by Jon Stephenson von Tetzchner and Geir Ivarsøy. The company initially focused on the development of the Opera web browser, a product that gained recognition for its speed and efficiency, particularly in the mobile space. A significant transformation occurred in 2016 when the company sold its consumer-facing browser business, brand name, and the Opera TV division to a Chinese consortium for $600 million. Following this strategic divestment, Opera Software ASA rebranded to Otello Corporation to reflect its new focus.

Post-rebranding, Otello Corporation transitioned into a holding company with strategic investments in the advertising and mobile technology sectors. Its portfolio primarily consists of AdColony, a prominent mobile advertising platform. AdColony provides mobile video advertising solutions to a global clientele of brands and publishers, operating within the competitive digital advertising market. The platform's revenue is generated by serving video advertisements within mobile applications, connecting advertisers with a vast user base. AdColony is recognized for its high-definition video ad technology, which aims to deliver a better user experience compared to standard ad formats.

The company's journey reflects a strategic pivot from a consumer software provider to an investment firm centered on ad-tech. This shift was orchestrated under the leadership that navigated the sale of its core browser asset. Jon Stephenson von Tetzchner, one of the original founders of Opera, brought a deep background in computer science from his time at the Norwegian state phone company, Telenor, where the initial browser project began. After leaving Opera in 2011, he went on to found Vivaldi Technologies. Geir Ivarsøy, the co-founder, tragically passed away in 2006. The current iteration of Otello, under the leadership of CEO Lars Boilesen who has been with the company since 2009, now concentrates on maximizing the value of its ad-tech assets. In 2021, Digital Turbine, a US-based mobile growth platform, acquired AdColony from Otello for approximately $400 million, marking another significant milestone in Otello's evolution as an investment and holding entity.

Keywords: ad-tech, mobile advertising, holding company, digital advertising, video advertising, monetization, app developers, strategic investments, mobile technology, ad platform