Technology
Is Qwant’s Fate About to Change? OVH Founder in Negotiations
Introduction
A major shift may be coming for Qwant, the French search engine often billed as Europe’s privacy alternative to Google. In April 2023, Octave Klaba—the founder of cloud provider OVHcloud—confirmed he is in talks to acquire Qwant. This deal could mark a turning point for the firm, which has struggled to grow despite generous public support. In this article, we’ll explore why Octave Klaba’s bid for Qwant matters, outline the key details of the negotiations, and consider what it could mean for the future of a truly European search engine.
The Rise and Struggles of Qwant
Qwant launched in beta in February 2013 with a clear promise: protect user privacy by not tracking searches or collecting personal data. Today, it serves users in over 30 countries and powers searches for parts of the French administration.
Despite strong political backing—including being named the default search engine for French government systems—Qwant has struggled to gain market share against Google and Bing. Audits revealed that Qwant still relies on Microsoft’s Bing for up to 64% of its results. Financially, it has run large losses and carries significant debt from loans and public grants. These challenges left Qwant searching for a sustainable path forward.
Who Is Octave Klaba?
Octave Klaba founded OVH in 1999 in France, growing it into one of Europe’s largest cloud computing firms. Known for competitive pricing and a commitment to data sovereignty, OVHcloud operates over 30 data centers worldwide. Klaba and his brother Miroslaw also acquired Shadow, a cloud gaming company, through their investment arm Jezby Ventures.
Klaba has a track record of rescuing and scaling tech companies. His interest in Qwant builds on a broader vision: to combine cloud services, gaming, storage, and search into a unified European platform. This move aligns with growing concerns about reliance on U.S. tech giants and the push for digital sovereignty across the European Union.
Details of the Negotiations
On April 11, 2023, Qwant confirmed it was in “highly preliminary” talks with OVHcloud’s founder to sell the company. Under UK takeover rules, the bidder has until May 15 to submit a firm offer. No financial details have been disclosed, but both sides expect to finalize terms after reviewing recent changes in Qwant’s partnership with Microsoft.
Klaba plans to acquire Qwant through a new entity called Synfonium. He and his brother would hold 75% of Synfonium, while Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (CDC)—Qwant’s largest public investor—would retain the remaining 25%. Synfonium will also integrate Shadow’s cloud gaming and storage assets, hinting at a multi‑service approach.
Synfonium: A New European Tech Platform
Synfonium is more than a holding company. Klaba envisions it as a “cornerstone” for a suite of European digital services. The name reflects the plan: build a “symphony” of cloud storage, email, gaming, and search under one roof. This integrated strategy aims to attract both individual users and business customers by bundling essential online tools.
- 75% Ownership: Octave and Miroslaw Klaba
- 25% Ownership: Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations
- Assets Included: Qwant search engine, Shadow cloud platform
Klaba has publicly tested new search prototypes with Qwant’s team and plans to present a detailed roadmap by September, after closing the deal later this summer.
Why OVHcloud Is Interested

Image by: Yandex.com
Analysts see several reasons Klaba is pursuing Qwant:
- Data Sovereignty: Owning a European search engine supports strategic autonomy from U.S. tech firms.
- User Privacy: Qwant’s privacy-first brand aligns with European laws like GDPR and can differentiate Synfonium’s services.
- Cross‑Selling: Integrating search with OVHcloud’s existing customers could boost adoption of other cloud offerings.
- Growth Potential: A refreshed Qwant could gain market share if paired with new tech, such as generative AI.
This acquisition would give Klaba a direct presence in consumer‑facing tech—a space he has not yet dominated—and strengthen his mission to build a full‑stack European alternative to platforms like Google Workspace and Amazon Web Services.
Implications for Europe’s Digital Landscape
European institutions have long discussed building homegrown alternatives to U.S. tech giants. Klaba’s bid for Qwant offers a concrete step in that direction. A successful turn‑around could:
- Encourage further investment in EU‑based digital startups.
- Reduce dependence on non‑European cloud services and search engines.
- Spur innovation in privacy‑centric technologies.
However, past efforts—like the European Investment Fund’s loans and public grants—have not stopped Qwant’s decline. Critics warn that merging with OVHcloud assets may not solve fundamental issues: low user adoption and technological reliance on Bing. The new Synfonium must deliver a search engine that rivals Google on speed, relevance, and features to truly reshape Europe’s digital map.
Challenges Ahead
Turning negotiations into a successful takeover and relaunch will demand:
- Technical Overhaul: Developing an independent search index to reduce Bing dependency.
- User Acquisition: Convincing millions to try Qwant instead of established rivals.
- Regulatory Approval: Gaining clearance from French and EU authorities for the Synfonium structure.
- Financial Backing: Securing investment to cover debt repayments and fund a technology rebuild.
Even with Klaba’s backing, reviving Qwant requires significant resources. Government audits have flagged Qwant’s heavy reliance on external technologies and repeated financial losses.
What Happens Next?
By May 15, Octave Klaba must decide whether to make a binding offer under UK takeover rules. If he proceeds:
- Due Diligence: Detailed review of Qwant’s finances and technology partnerships.
- Final Agreement: Signing a sale and share transfer contract.
- Regulatory Filings: Notification to EU competition authorities and French financial regulators.
- Integration Plan: Merging Qwant’s operations with Shadow and OVHcloud’s support teams.
If talks break down, Qwant may seek other buyers or pursue a fresh funding round. But Klaba’s strategic vision has generated the most interest so far.
Investor and User Reactions
Markets immediately cheered the news. Qwant’s share price rose sharply on the announcement, reflecting hope for a strong turnaround. Tech observers praised Klaba’s boldness but cautioned that rebuilding trust with users and partners will take time.
Privacy advocates are watching closely. A successful Synfonium could prove that tech sovereignty and user privacy can coexist with commercial viability. Conversely, a failed acquisition might reinforce doubts about Europe’s ability to challenge Big Tech.
Conclusion
The potential acquisition of Qwant by OVHcloud founder Octave Klaba could reshape the future of Europe’s “privacy-friendly” search engine and mark a new chapter in digital sovereignty. With Synfonium poised to combine search, cloud, gaming, and storage, the plan promises a unified platform that respects user privacy and challenges U.S. tech dominance. Yet, hurdles lie ahead: technological independence, user adoption, regulatory approval, and funding needs. As May 15 approaches, all eyes are on Klaba’s next move—and on whether these negotiations will finally give Qwant the lifeline it needs to fulfill its founding promise.
Security
Cybersecurity MSP: 9 Essential Tips to Choose the Best Provider
Cyberattacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and for the majority of businesses, the option of having an in-house security team that can keep up with evolving threats is simply unrealistic. That is why many companies, ranging from fintech startups to large corporations, are turning to cybersecurity managed service provider (MSPs).
Understand Your Own Risk Profile First
When searching for an appropriate cybersecurity MSP, you should understand what security measures your business requires. A payments company that processes card payments and a retail store that sells goods online have completely different security needs. Recognizing your requirements will allow you to identify potential providers better and avoid any issues during the cooperation.
For example, if you are a fintech company that offers payment services, you should find an MSP that specializes in the PCI DSS standard and has experience working with organizations in the financial sector rather than a healthcare company that handles personal health data. Besides, having a clear vision of your needs can assist you in selecting an MSP that can offer affordable solutions without compromising your core requirements.
Check Industry-Specific Experience
In addition to understanding your requirements, you should look for cybersecurity MSPs that have experience in your field. You ought to create a shortlist of individuals with pertinent experience collaborating with organizations similar to yours.
It is essential to ask for references and past experience since providers with years of experience in securing financial systems will be much better at responding to your requests than a generic IT security company.
Evaluate Threat Detection and Response Capabilities
You need to ask MSPs about their response capabilities and ensure that their threat detection and response mechanisms are up to date. A reliable provider will have a dedicated security operations center that employs professionals who monitor your systems around the clock rather than being fully automated.
When determining the ability to respond to incidents, clarify what measures an MSP takes when an authorized hacker detects a threat. In doing so, you should ask about the mean time to detect (MTTD) and mean time to respond (MTTR) and ensure that the provider has relevant expertise and resources.
Confirm Compliance Expertise
Many organizations operate under specific security standards and regulations, including PCI DSS, HIPAA, GDPR, SOC 2, and others. You need to ensure that your potential provider has practical knowledge and experience helping organizations maintain compliance with applicable regulations.
This way, you will have a competent partner that understands particular standards and can help you prepare for regular audits seamlessly.

Assess Their Technology Stack
You need to review a potential provider’s technology stack and make sure that they use updated solutions for detecting and responding to incidents. You should ask cybersecurity MSPs about the tools they use for threat detection, endpoint security, and cloud security. Make sure that their solutions are compatible with your cloud infrastructure so that you can operate without any technological limitations.
Prioritize Communication and Transparency
Even though your provider will have experts that will ensure your systems’ safety, there is nothing worse than being unaware of what your security team does. It is vital to choose an MSP that will offer you comprehensive reporting and transparent communication without keeping critical information from you.
It is essential to clarify how they will inform you of potential security incidents so that you are not caught off guard in case of an attack or breach. A reliable provider will have appropriate procedures for communicating incident-related information.
Consider Scalability for Future Growth
You need to make sure that an MSP you hire will be able to support your business in the future. In other words, you should keep in mind that scalability should be an important consideration when selecting a provider since cybersecurity MSPs that offer flexible solutions will support your business’s growth and continue operating efficiently despite an increasing number of endpoints and users.
Weigh the Human and Cultural Fit
Although this criterion may seem less important, you should consider human factors when selecting an MSP. You need to keep in mind that your potential provider will serve as an extension of your in-house team, and therefore, their expertise, responsiveness, and communication skills are critical. One vital tip is to analyze how the provider responds to your initial request and queries since this will give you an idea of how attentive they will be to your needs.
Break Down Pricing Structures
Even though cost should not be the primary criterion, you need to go through the pricing details provided by potential providers to ensure that you only pay for the services you need. Make sure that there are no additional fees for specific services and ask for clarification on any details you do not fully understand.
Making the Final Decision
Selecting the best cybersecurity managed service provider is not an easy task. However, the outlined criteria can help you make the right choice and ensure that your organization gets the most value for its money. The right partner will allow your team to rest assured that no threats to your systems and data go unnoticed while focusing on more pressing matters.
marketing
ICO Press Release Strategy: Boost Your Token Launch
Have you ever wondered why some token launches become popular while others do not? A good blockchain project is important. But people must know about it first. A good press release helps you tell people about your project. It can reach investors, crypto fans, reporters, and blockchain communities. Publishing an Ico press release can help more people find your project. It can also build trust and create interest before your token launch. This guide shares easy ideas that can help your crypto project get more attention.
Why an ICO Press Release Matters
People cannot support your project if they do not know about it. An ICO press release tells people what your project does and why it matters. It also shares your roadmap, goals, and technology. News websites and crypto blogs can use this information to tell more people about your project. A good press release can help you:
- Build brand awareness
- Reach more people online
- Get more website visitors
- Build trust with investors
- Gain media attention
- Improve search engine visibility
It also gives your project useful content that can help over time.
What Makes an Effective Crypto PR Release?
A good crypto pr release shares more than just news. It explains your project in a simple and clear way. Here are the main parts every press release should have.
A Clear Headline
Write a headline that tells readers what the news is about.
Project Overview
Explain what your blockchain project does. Tell readers what problem it solves.
Key Features
Share the most important features, such as:
- Utility
- Security
- Token omics
- Roadmap
- Community benefits
Team Information
Tell readers about your team or advisors. This helps people trust your project.
Contact Details
Add your official contact details. This makes it easy for people to ask questions or learn more.
Proven ICO Press Release Strategies
Focus on Real Value
Always tell the truth about your project. Show how your project solves real problems. Do not make promises that you cannot keep.
Write for People First
Write so everyone can understand your message.
Use:
- Simple words
- Short sentences
- Clear ideas
- Easy formatting
This keeps readers interested and helps them understand your project.
Optimize for Search Engines
SEO helps more people find your press release online. Use your keywords naturally. Add clear headings, internal links, and a good meta description. Avoid using the same keywords excessively.
Share Real Project Updates
Every press release should share useful news.
You can write about:
- Token sale dates
- Platform launches
- New partnerships
- Product updates
- Security audits
- Roadmap progress
Fresh news gives media websites a reason to write about your project.
Crypto Launch PR Best Practices
A good crypto launch pr starts with a simple plan. Building excitement before launch day is essential for any successful crypto project. By sharing early updates across social media, community channels, email newsletters, and your website, you start engaging potential investors early. A well-planned PR strategy ensures your project builds initial momentum, keeps your target audience informed, and creates strong anticipation right before your official token launch.
Prepare Your Audience
Start talking about your project before launch day.
Share updates through:
- Social media
- Community groups
- Email newsletters
- Your website
This builds excitement before your launch.
Publish at the Right Time
Select an appropriate day to distribute your press release.
Avoid holidays and busy crypto news days. This gives your news a better chance to get noticed.

Keep Information Accurate
Check every detail before you publish. Make sure you review:
- Dates
- URLs
- Token details
- Contact information
- Numbers
- Project milestones
Correct information helps people trust your project.
Crypto Press Release Tips for Better Results
These crypto press release tips can help your press release perform better.
Tell a Story
People enjoy stories because they are easy to remember. Tell readers:
- Why you started the project
- What problem it solves
- How it helps users
This makes your content more interesting.
Use Supporting Data
Share facts that support your project. You can include:
- Development updates
- Community growth
- Test net progress
- Security audits
- New partnerships
Real facts help build trust.
Make the Content Easy to Read
Many people read quickly.
Designing content for quick reading ensures your message reaches busy audiences effectively. Utilizing scannable bullet points, concise paragraphs, clear headings, and straightforward vocabulary allows readers to process your key updates effortlessly. This simple formatting approach keeps readers engaged longer, improves overall comprehension, and makes complex Web3 news approachable for potential investors skimming through your crypto project updates. Help them by using:
- Bullet points
- Short paragraphs
- Clear headings
- Simple words
This makes your article easier to read.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Small mistakes can make your press release less useful. Try to avoid:
- Using too many keywords
- Writing hard technical words
- Making promises you cannot prove
- Sharing old information
- Forgetting to proofread
- Leaving out contact details
Always read your press release before you publish it.
Why Consistency Matters
One press release is helpful, but regular updates work even better. Share news often so people stay interested in your project. You can publish updates about:
- New partnerships
- Exchange listings
- Product improvements
- Community growth
- Security updates
- Roadmap milestones
Regular updates help build trust over time.
Reach a Bigger Audience
Do you want more people to discover your blockchain project? Create simple and helpful press releases that explain your project clearly. Visit ICO Announcement to learn more about publishing your news and reaching a larger crypto audience. A successful token launch needs more than good technology. People also need clear and honest information. A professional Ico press release helps more people learn about your project. It also builds trust and improves your online visibility. Use these simple strategies to help your blockchain project grow and reach more people.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ICO press release?
An ICO press release is a news article that shares important updates about a blockchain project, token launch, partnership, or major milestone.
Why does a crypto press release important?
It helps more people learn about your project. It also builds trust and attracts media attention.
When should a token project publish a press release?
You should publish one before a token launch, exchange listing, partnership, product update, or roadmap milestone.
How can SEO improve a crypto press release?
SEO helps your press release appear in search results. This makes it easier for people to find your project online.
What should every crypto press release include?
Every press release should have a clear headline, project overview, key features, important updates, contact details, and a simple call to action.
Digital Development
Software Development in San Francisco: Benefits for Companies
It may seem that San Francisco is not only home to software development companies – it is also the force driving their evolution and innovation. Whether it is through the fog-laden streets of the Financial District or bustling co-working spaces in Soma, technology is everywhere in this city. In case your business plans to create a digital product, opting for software development in San Francisco means joining the ranks of companies that pioneered some of the world’s most revolutionary innovations. But what exactly makes San Francisco the right choice? Let us walk through the real, tangible benefits and why they matter for your business.
Why Build Software in San Francisco?
San Francisco is a blend of world-class talent, cutting-edge technology, and constant innovation. The benefits go beyond the capability to hire a skilled development team; they affect the whole process and the success of your digital product in the long term.
Benefit from Access to World-Class Tech Talent
San Francisco is located in the very center of Silicon Valley’s network of tech companies. The city is home to software developers, UI/UX designers, AI specialists, data scientists, and other tech professionals coming from around the globe. Stanford University, UC Berkeley, and Carnegie Mellon University are all contributing new graduates to the local pool of tech talent.
By engaging with a San Francisco software developer, you’ll benefit from cooperation with professionals that previously worked in challenging conditions for giants such as Google, Stripe, Salesforce, and Airbnb. The experience gained gives a clear edge when it comes to coding, decision-making, and product-level insight.
Innovation for Competitive Advantage
While many cities boast a vibrant business environment, San Francisco has earned recognition as an innovation hub. It is assumed that every challenge equals a possibility to improve something while each process can always be improved. The approach is shared by many agencies in the city, and thus teams do not limit themselves to the minimum requirements. Instead, software development agency in San Francisco focus on building solutions that are both scalable and innovative.
Scale Faster with Investors
The creation of software is only a starting point of a product’s journey. To grow efficiently, businesses need the right partnerships and investment opportunities – and that is where the benefits of being close to such centers of influence come into play. By working in this environment, custom software development companies have access to funding possibilities, strategic alliances, and even pilot programs. The proximity to venture capital firms and angel investors can be extremely advantageous for startup and expanding companies. Custom software development agencies in San Francisco are used to dealing with accelerated growth due to investors’ presence thus, they are able to develop products with scalability from the very beginning.
Stay Ahead with Early Exposure to Emerging Technologies
Software developers in San Francisco are usually among the first to embrace and integrate emerging technologies. New developments related to AI, blockchain, edge computing, and other technological breakthroughs appear in San Francisco before anyone else.
As a result, businesses that engage with a San Francisco development team benefit from early access to the latest technologies. Developers in the city have already started implementing big language models, experimenting with novel software architectures, and utilizing API-powered platforms to expand the capabilities of the products. As a result, AI and custom software are reshaping how San Francisco development companies approach product building and companies gain significant competitive advantage through cooperation with them.

Ship Products Faster with Agile, Fast-Moving Development Teams
Development teams in San Francisco are recognized for their speed and efficiency. Working in the startup environment, they are focused on iterations, lean development, and continuous improvements. Most agencies in the city apply agile methodologies and allow the software development process to occur in the form of sprints.
At the same time, businesses should not worry about the quality of software developed locally – developers understand the importance of stability and maintenance. Thus, companies get both quick and high-quality delivery.
Users with a Strong Focus on UX and Product Design
Great software is not just functional; it is enjoyable to use. San Francisco has a deep design culture, influenced by decades of consumer-focused product development from companies like Apple and Adobe. Local development teams treat UX as a core part of the engineering process, not an afterthought. Working with a San Francisco software development agency, businesses usually get a full UX design strategy from the very beginning. The teams are likely to prepare wireframes and prototypes of the product even before getting down to the code development phase.
Industry-Specific Expertise
There are plenty of specialized software development companies in San Francisco specializing in different industries and types of technology. Whether you are working with fintech, healthcare, enterprise SaaS, or mobile applications – you’ll find a San Francisco developer agency with the necessary experience.
Specialization brings obvious advantages – experienced developers already have tried and proven workflows, knowledge in the industry, and familiarity with various legal aspects. All this ensures a faster and smoother development process. San Francisco software development services are a strong example of how focused expertise translates into better outcomes for clients across industries.
Build Better Products Through a Collaborative Ecosystem
San Francisco’s technology community is quite interactive and actively participates in meetups, hackathons, conferences, and open-source projects. Thus, developers keep themselves informed about the latest developments and trends in the industry. Moreover, this collaborative spirit carries into client relationships as well. Development agencies in Sa Francisco are generally communicative, cooperative, and willing to deliver a result – because reputation in such an environment is very important.
Communicate in Real Time and Eliminate Delays
For those companies located in the USA, San Francisco offers a great advantage in terms of the time zone. Having a common schedule, businesses and developers will be able to discuss important matters without any delay.
In this sense, San Francisco is particularly attractive for companies that face difficulties in communication or collaboration with offshore development teams. This alone is a compelling reason to choose custom software development San Francisco teams over distant alternatives. Thus, developing software in San Francisco means experiencing the culture influenced by some of the best software solutions created by tech giants.
Conclusion
In general, software development in San Francisco provides businesses with many advantages impossible to find anywhere else. Skilled workforce, rich technology culture, and collaborative ecosystem significantly facilitate every aspect of product development. Whether it is a startup MVP, a complex enterprise product, or an AI-powered app, partnering with a software developer or agency in San Francisco will give your business additional momentum.
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