The Untold Story of Bending Spoons: Unraveling Vimeo’s Recent Layoffs
In a surprising turn of events, Vimeo, the beloved video-hosting platform, has faced significant layoffs this past week. Reports circulating on social media reveal that a substantial number of employees, including the entire video production team, have been affected—a concerning development for a platform primarily built on video content.
This upheaval follows a massive acquisition by Bending Spoons, a Milan-based tech powerhouse that took over Vimeo for an impressive sum of $1.38 billion in an all-cash deal concluded in the second half of 2025. While Bending Spoons may not ring a bell for many, the company has proven itself to be a formidable player in the tech acquisition arena, having recently absorbed brands like Meetup, WeTransfer, and Eventbrite.
The Enigmatic Identity of Bending Spoons
So, just what exactly is Bending Spoons? Despite often being labeled a private equity firm, Bending Spoons prefers to define itself as a transformative entity focused on revitalizing digital businesses. Founded over a decade ago, the company boasts a workforce of approximately 400 to 500 employees, affectionately referred to as “Spooners.” Its unique approach revolves around acquiring underwhelming yet recognizable tech brands, which it then re-tools to better serve a vast audience—often through controversial changes and workforce reductions.
A lesser-known nugget of its history is that Bending Spoons emerged from the remnants of Evertale, a startup that showcased its photo-sharing app, Wink, during Disrupt SF 2011. After Evertale’s demise, the founders pivoted to pursuing acquisitions, leading to Bending Spoons’ current business model.
The Acquisition Strategy: A Double-Edged Sword
Bending Spoons’ strategy is clear: identify a stagnant tech brand in need of revitalization, acquire it, and implement comprehensive changes targeting user experience, monetization, and team structure. This pattern has seen Bending Spoons shake things up at companies like Evernote and WeTransfer, and now, it’s repeating the process with Vimeo.
Interestingly, while these brands haven’t necessarily been failing, they often come equipped with robust user bases stifled by neglect or previous ownership challenges. After acquiring these companies, Bending Spoons actively alters their trajectory—those changes can be seismic, including significant layoffs.
A Growing Portfolio with Ambitious Goals
Bending Spoons has built a staggering portfolio with over one billion users leveraging its products. With a market value exceeding $10 billion following a recent funding round, the company is poised for further growth. Notable acquisitions include Filmic in 2022, Evernote in early 2023, and Meetup in early 2024. Each acquisition portends a familiar pattern of restructuring that often results in layoffs and product shifts.
Recent reports said Bending Spoons aims to continue expanding its horizons. With a solid backing comprising substantial investor funding, the company is targeting new, more recognizable brands for acquisition, including the likes of AOL and Eventbrite.
Future Prospects: What’s Next for Bending Spoons?
In light of these aggressive acquisition strategies, Bending Spoons is actively courting talent—and with good reason: attracting innovative minds is essential for sustaining their growth trajectory. Even amidst warnings of a ‘demanding environment,’ the company has seen an influx of more than 600,000 job applications in 2025 alone.
Additionally, Bending Spoons has been in discussions with banks regarding a potential IPO on the NYSE, aiming to further bolster its financial foundation. CEO Luca Ferrari has hinted at aspirations for a U.S. listing, where tech companies typically command higher valuations.
As Bending Spoons continues its quest to reshape the digital landscape, the future remains ripe with possibilities—or uncertainties—for the brands under its wing, especially Vimeo. The repercussions of such sweeping changes are yet to fully unfold, leaving many to wonder what lies ahead for the renowned video platform and its users.
This story was initially reported in October 2025 and will be updated as new developments arise.