The Story of Opera: From a Norwegian Browser to a Global Tech Powerhouse
Do you know that opera incubated OPay in 2018?, Yes Opay!
The Inspiring Story of Opera
Company: Opera Software
Founders: Jon Stephenson von Tetzchner and Geir Ivarsøy
Year Founded: 1995
Headquarters: Oslo, Norway
Notable Products: Opera Browser, Opera Mini, Opera News, Opera GX
The Beginning: A Small Innovation in a Big World
In 1995, long before tech giants like Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox dominated the browser market, two engineers, Jon Stephenson von Tetzchner and Geir Ivarsøy, from the Norwegian telecommunications company Telenor, began working on a project that would revolutionize internet browsing. They wanted to create a faster, lightweight, and user-friendly web browser—a tool that would make the internet more accessible to everyone.
The project started as a research initiative at Telenor, but Jon and Geir quickly realized its potential. In 1995, they spun off the project into an independent company called Opera Software.
Early Challenges: Competing with Internet Giants
Back in the 1990s, the browser market was already competitive. Microsoft’s Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator were the dominant players, and Opera was just a small underdog from Norway.
Unlike the big browsers, Opera’s focus was unique:
Speed and Efficiency: Opera aimed to be lightweight and run smoothly even on slow internet connections.
Customizability: Opera introduced features like tabbed browsing, pop-up blockers, and mouse gestures long before they became industry standards.
Accessibility: Opera worked on devices with low memory and weaker internet connections, a feature that later gave it a competitive edge in emerging markets like Africa.
Despite its innovation, Opera struggled to gain significant market share. Many people were used to pre-installed browsers like Internet Explorer, and Opera’s smaller marketing budget meant it had to rely on word-of-mouth growth.
Opera Mini: A Game-Changer for Emerging Markets
In 2005, Opera made a breakthrough that would change its fortunes: it launched Opera Mini, a mobile browser designed to work on low-end phones with limited internet access.
Opera Mini compressed web pages by up to 90%, allowing users to browse the internet faster and consume less data. For users in Africa, Asia, and other emerging markets, where data was expensive and internet infrastructure was limited, Opera Mini became the browser of choice.
In countries like Nigeria, Opera Mini’s data-saving feature was a game-changer. It allowed millions of people to access the internet for the first time, connecting them to news, education, and communication. By 2006, Opera Mini had over 50 million users worldwide, and its popularity continued to grow.
Diversification: More Than Just a Browser
Opera didn’t stop at creating browsers. Over the years, the company diversified its product offerings:
Opera News: A content aggregation platform launched in 2017 that provides personalized news updates. It quickly became popular in Africa and Southeast Asia, where Opera has a strong user base.
Opera GX: Launched in 2019, Opera GX is the world’s first gaming browser, designed for gamers with features like CPU and RAM control, game news, and streaming integration.
Fintech Solutions: Opera ventured into fintech by launching apps like OPay, a mobile money platform that simplifies payments, savings, and everyday transactions. OPay has seen tremendous growth in Nigeria, offering services like ride-hailing, bill payments, and food delivery.
These moves helped Opera evolve from a browser company into a multi-platform tech powerhouse, serving millions of users across various digital services.
Challenges: Competing in a Dominated Market
Despite Opera’s innovative features, the browser market became increasingly dominated by tech giants like Google Chrome, which launched in 2008. Chrome’s integration with Google Search and Android devices made it hard for smaller browsers like Opera to compete.
However, Opera’s strength lies in its niche offerings:
Opera Mini continues to dominate in regions with slower internet speeds.
Opera GX carved a unique space in the gaming community.
Opera’s focus on data savings and mobile-first experiences has kept it relevant in emerging markets.
Achievements and Impact
Opera’s achievements are remarkable for a company that started as a small Norwegian project:
Global Reach: Opera browsers have over 300 million monthly active users worldwide, with a significant presence in Africa and Asia.
Tech for Emerging Markets: Opera Mini and Opera News have empowered millions of users in countries like Nigeria, helping them save data and access critical information.
Innovation Leadership: Opera pioneered features like tabbed browsing, ad blockers, and data compression, which are now industry standards.
Fintech Growth: Through OPay, Opera has become a key player in Nigeria’s fintech ecosystem, simplifying payments and improving financial inclusion.
What We Can Learn from Opera’s Journey
Solve Real Problems: Opera Mini succeeded because it solved a real problem—high data costs and slow internet—for millions of users in emerging markets.
Innovate to Stay Relevant: Opera didn’t stop at browsers. It diversified into news, gaming, and fintech, ensuring it stayed relevant in an ever-changing digital landscape.
Niche Focus Can Win: By targeting underserved users—like gamers, low-bandwidth regions, and mobile-first consumers—Opera found loyal markets even in a competitive space.
Adapt to Changing Markets: Opera evolved with the times, focusing on mobile-first solutions as internet usage shifted from desktops to smartphones.
The Future of Opera
Opera continues to innovate and expand its digital ecosystem. With a strong presence in emerging markets and niche platforms like Opera GX and OPay, the company is poised to grow even further.
In Nigeria, Opera’s fintech arm OPay has already transformed the way people pay and move money, showing that Opera is far more than just a browser company—it’s a symbol of innovation and impact.
A Final Word
Opera’s story reminds us that even a small player can make a global impact with the right strategy. By focusing on solving real problems, adapting to user needs, and embracing innovation, Opera went from a Norwegian startup to a household name in countries like Nigeria. Its journey proves that with persistence and creativity, even underdogs can change the world.
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