Startpage search engine

Startpage is a privacy-focused search engine that delivers Google search results while protecting user data by removing personal identifiers. Founded in the Netherlands, it was originally launched under the name Ixquick in 1998 before transitioning to the Startpage brand to emphasize its role as a private entry point to the web.

The service operates primarily out of the Netherlands, benefiting from strict European privacy laws. While it provides Google results through a paid partnership, it acts as a protective buffer, ensuring that no user IP addresses or tracking cookies are shared with Google. This unique positioning has made it a favorite for users seeking high-quality search results without the associated tracking.

In terms of ownership, the brand was developed by the Dutch company Surfboard Holding B.V. In 2019, the company received a significant investment from System1, an American ad-tech firm. Despite this investment, Startpage maintains that its headquarters and privacy operations remain strictly governed by Dutch jurisdiction to uphold its privacy commitments.