Opera web browser

Opera's journey began in 1994 as a research project at Telenor, Norway's largest telecommunications company. By 1995, founders Jon Stephenson von Tetzchner and Geir Ivarsøy established Opera Software AS as an independent entity in Oslo. The browser quickly became known for its innovation, introducing features like 'Speed Dial' and tabs long before they were industry standards. Initially a commercial product, it transitioned to a free, ad-supported model in 2000 and eventually removed ads altogether in 2005.

In 2016, a major shift occurred when the consumer-facing business, including the web browser and the brand, was sold to a consortium of Chinese investors for approximately $600 million. Following this acquisition, the original parent company rebranded as Otello Corporation. Since 2021, the Chinese technology firm Kunlun Tech Co., Ltd. has held a controlling interest of nearly 69% in Opera Limited. Despite this Chinese majority ownership, the company maintains its corporate headquarters in Oslo, Norway, and carries out its principal technical development across Poland, Sweden, Scotland, and China.