Fastmail email service

Fastmail is a premium email service provider that has carved a niche as a privacy-centric alternative to major tech conglomerates. Founded in 1999 during the early expansion of the consumer internet, the brand was established in Melbourne, Australia, where it continues to maintain its primary operations and development team.

The service gained significant industry attention for its role in developing the JSON Meta Application Protocol (JMAP), an open standard designed to modernize email communication by replacing aging protocols like IMAP. This commitment to open standards and user privacy has remained a cornerstone of the brand's identity throughout its history.

Ownership of Fastmail has transitioned through several phases. After being acquired by Opera Software in 2010, the original staff successfully completed a management buyout in 2013, returning the company to independent Australian ownership. As of 2026, Fastmail remains an independent entity, headquartered in Melbourne, focusing on providing ad-free, secure communication tools for individuals and businesses worldwide.