Dutch entrepreneur Nalden, a co-founder of the file-sharing service WeTransfer, is developing a new file transfer platform called Boomerang, citing dissatisfaction with the direction WeTransfer has taken since its acquisition by Bending Spoons last year. Nalden, who co-founded WeTransfer in 2009 and departed in 2019, expressed concerns about changes implemented by Bending Spoons, a Milan-based tech firm known for acquiring and restructuring popular apps.

Nalden told TechCrunch that he believes Bending Spoons doesn't prioritize its users. "Even though I get that it is their private equity strategy, I notice that since I left WeTransfer in 2019, there were a lot of updates that were basically killing the product, in my point of view," he said. These updates included alterations to transfer link functionality and the layoff of 75 employees.

WeTransfer faced controversy earlier this year when it considered using user content to train AI models, a decision it later reversed following user backlash. Nalden stated that creatives began contacting him to voice their frustration with WeTransfer's new direction. This prompted him to create Boomerang, a service designed to recapture the original simplicity and user-centric ethos of WeTransfer. Boomerang allows users to transfer files without requiring a login.

The acquisition of WeTransfer by Bending Spoons marked a shift for the popular file-sharing service, which had become known for its user-friendly interface and focus on the creative community. Bending Spoons' acquisition strategy typically involves streamlining operations and implementing changes to improve profitability, which can sometimes conflict with the original vision of the acquired company.

The file-sharing industry has seen increasing competition, with services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and Box offering similar functionalities. WeTransfer distinguished itself through its emphasis on design and ease of use, catering specifically to creative professionals. Nalden's Boomerang aims to capitalize on the perceived gap in the market for a simple, user-focused file transfer service.

Boomerang is currently in development, and further details about its features and launch date are expected to be released in the coming months. The service represents Nalden's attempt to address the concerns of users who feel that WeTransfer has strayed from its original mission.