Startpage

Startpage is a privacy-focused search engine founded in 2006 and headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands. It was originally established as a sister company to Ixquick, a metasearch engine launched in 1998. In 2016, Startpage merged with Ixquick, consolidating their operations under the Startpage brand. The company is owned and operated by Surfboard Holding B.V., a Dutch corporation. In October 2019, Privacy One Group, a subsidiary of the U.S.-based ad-tech company System1, acquired a majority stake in Startpage. Despite this acquisition, Startpage continues to operate from its headquarters in the Netherlands, ensuring compliance with Dutch and European Union privacy laws, including the GDPR. The company remains committed to providing users with private search capabilities without collecting personal data or search history. Startpage generates revenue through contextual advertising based on search queries, without tracking or profiling users. This approach allows users to access search results without compromising their privacy. The company's mission is to offer a more private internet experience by protecting users' personal data online.