Is This Why Jon S. Von Tetzchner Left Opera?

By | June 4, 2012


Is This Why Jon S. von Tetzchner Left Opera?Something from the past.

Back in 2011, Jon S. von Tetzchner, the founder of Opera Software has left the company. Although not a lot of details were revealed, Jon stated that he, the Board and Management no longer shared the same values.

Well, during that time, one of our readers wrote an interesting comment, which is as valid as ever before, Rogir said:

Looks like Opera Software is about to disappear.

That is, it’s going to become part of a bigger company.

Jon never wanted to sell Opera. In 2007, he “fired” the board over differences, probably over acquisitions.

Now the board might want to sell Opera, but Jon doesn’t want that. Hence, he leaves (maybe in protest) because he never wanted Opera to be sold to someone else

What do you guys think? Another coincidence or is this exactly why Jon left the company?


About (Author Profile)


Vygantas is a former web designer whose projects are used by companies such as AMD, NVIDIA and departed Westood Studios. Being passionate about software, Vygantas began his journalism career back in 2007 when he founded FavBrowser.com. Having said that, he is also an adrenaline junkie who enjoys good books, fitness activities and Forex trading.

Comments (17)

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  1. Firefoxer says:

    Looks like Rogir, the guy who left the comment, had a prevision of what was coming.
    Had he left any comments about December, 2012? :D

  2. Guy says:

    Lars Boilesen (Opera’s current CEO) said he’d love to work with companies like Facebook or Google, but it could only be partnerships (like doing custom versions of Opera).

    Otherwise, Jon has 10.9% of Opera and can block an acquisition if he wants. In fact, the last word will be for him, if this is not the EU.

    • FataL says:

      > Jon has 10.9% of Opera and can block an acquisition if he wants.

      In connection with the Annual General Meeting of Opera Software ASA to be held on 5 June 2012,the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Arve Johansen, has been given proxies without voting instructions for 14 071 552 shares in Opera Software ASA representing 11,77% of the total shares and voting rights in the company.

      The proxies are only valid at the Annual General Meeting.

      Arve Johansen does not personally own any shares in Opera Software ASA.

      • Guy says:

        I was talking about Jon Stephenson von Tetzchner, the cofounder of Opera, who owns personally 10.9% of Opera Software.

  3. Kai says:

    I don’t want to find a new browser :/

  4. Im having a premonition too, Opera does usual business with FB as they do with everybody else and makes a custom browser, as they do with everybody else.

    Remember this comment in 2015.

  5. Eric says:

    When would we know if Opera is planning anything like this?  Do they have a conference or anything?

    • cyberstream_us says:

      I wouldn’t be surprised if something happened after Opera 12’s release. Who knows…maybe Facebook will pleasantly surprise us with what they do with Opera…wishful thinking…probably unrealistic though. I would like to see Opera gain a greater prominence, and it being acquired by Facebook may be the key. However, if Facebook acquired it, Opera may no longer be the browser we wanted to gain prominence. There’s no way of knowing what’ll happen unless it does, and I don’t know if I want to find out.

      • castingcouch says:

        If Facebook gets its hands on Opera, it’ll be infested with adware, trackware and other personality-stealing features. YOU are Facebook’s product.

    • Never, all speculation is based on what the FB position or expectative is, thats why its all BS.

  6. Guy says:

    And… Jon refuses to sell Opera !
    source : http://finansavisen.hegnar.no/

  7. Rafael says:

    Source: one of the commenters??? Common…