AVG Technologies - Antivirus and Security Software

AVG was founded in 1991 by Jan Gritzbach and Tomáš Hofer in the Czech Republic under the name Grisoft. The brand quickly gained international recognition for its effective antivirus software, particularly its popular free version which helped democratize basic cybersecurity for millions of home users.

Over the decades, the company expanded its R&D labs and transitioned from a Czech startup to a global cybersecurity leader. In 2016, AVG was acquired by its long-time rival Avast for approximately $1.3 billion. This merger combined the user bases and technological assets of two of the largest players in the industry. Later, in 2022, Avast merged with the American cybersecurity giant NortonLifeLock to form a new parent company known as Gen Digital. Today, AVG remains a prominent brand under the Gen Digital portfolio, focusing on digital safety and performance tools.