Wire Messenger

Wire is a high-security communication and collaboration platform that offers end-to-end encrypted messaging, voice, and video calling. Originally launched in 2014, the brand was founded by a team of veterans from Skype and Microsoft, including Jonathan Christensen, Alan Duric, and Priidu Zilmer, with significant backing from Skype co-founder Janus Friis.

While the brand has its roots in Switzerland (Zug), its operational structure is international. The primary development and research take place in Berlin, Germany, under the management of Wire Group Holding GmbH. The software's development center in Berlin adheres to strict European data protection standards, including GDPR, which is a core part of the brand's identity as a secure, privacy-focused alternative to mainstream messaging apps.

As of recent years, the company has transitioned from a general consumer app to a focus on enterprise and government sectors. In 2024 and 2025, the brand's ownership saw further stabilization through strategic investments from major European entities like the Schwarz Group (the parent company of Lidl and Kaufland). This investment, alongside support from Cipio Partners and Iconical, reinforces Wire's position as a sovereign European technology provider, free from non-EU control.