Valtari
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| Company type | Public |
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| Industry | Information technology |
| Founded | 1978; 54 years ago |
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| Headquarters | , |
Area served | Worldwide |
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| Revenue |  $1.5 trillion |
Valtari Technologies, Inc., is a multinational technology conglomerate based in Venceia, Caphiria. The company owns and operates social media company Thinkpages, the messaging and video conferencing app Nuntia, the consumer electronics retailer Electron, and the WorkSpaces X productivity software, among other products and services.
Valtari was founded in 1978 by Caphirian programmers Sarino Antellion and Călian Veschertio to develop software programs for the ITM Blue personal computers. Its first operating system, ValtariumDOS (VDOS), was a commercial failure despite gaining international coverage for its advanced features. In 1985, Urcean executive Ronan Rentius joined Valtari as its first outside chief executive. Under his leadership, the company released the Valtari-M in 1987, its first personal computer alongside Valtari WorkSpaces, a suite of office productivity tools. The Valtari-M became a best seller and one of the first mass-produced PCs. The company went public in 1988 and achieved instant financial success. In the mid 90s, Valtari - still under Rentius' leadership, experienced significant growth, thanks in part to its dominant position in the PC software market. In 1993, Valtari became the first software company to reach $1 billion in annual revenue; by 1998 the company reached $14.94 billion. During the 2000s, Valtari made numerous acquisitions and began to diversify. On 3 January 2006, Rentius abruptly resigned amid rumored misconduct allegations.
On 28 January 2006, Kiravian businessman and entrepreneur Vidor Riśakarin was named the next chief executive of Valtari. Under Riśakarin, the company purchased Nuntia in 2009, an instant messaging and VoIP social platform. Valtari also rebuilt WorkSpaces from the ground up as WorkSpaces X, offering a full suite of productivity software, collaboration and cloud-based services. In 2011, Valtari reached $60 billion in annual revenue. In 2014, Valtari acquired Electron, a consumer electronics retailer, for $8.4 billion.
Today, Valtari is one of the largest technology companies in the world and is considered one of the Big Three tech firms in Caphiria, alongside Petalstone Electronics and Arpal. In 2019, Kolm Èvxevma succeeded Riśakarin as Chief Executive, with Riśakarin's taking the title Strategic Executive Advisor. Co-founders Sarino Antellion and Călian Veschertio, with Riśakarin, remain employees, board members, and controlling shareholders of Valtari.
History
1978-84: Founding, early years, and PC Wars
The late 1970s were marked by feverish development and competition in the realm of personal computers, infamously coined the PC Wars. On 24 July 1977, Urcean technology company ITM debuted its Blue model, which was the personal computer with a graphical user interface. Sarino Antellion and Călian Veschertio met each other at Marellon University where they were pursuing programming but were enamored by the technological surge in Urcea. The pair moved to Urceopolis in the fall of 1978 and enrolled at St. John's University of the Collegium Scientificum. While they were initially drawn to Urcea for academic pursuits, the buzz around the ITM Blue and the burgeoning PC market made them realize the vast untapped potential in software development for these machines. The duo recognized that while the hardware was evolving rapidly, the software ecosystem was still in its infancy. They believed that the real revolution would be driven not just by the machine but by what the machine could do – the software it ran.
With limited resources but unbridled passion, they founded Valtari Technologies on Christmas Eve 1978. They initially operated out of their dorm, programming in their spare time. Their first project was an operating system tailor-made for the ITM Blue, which they named ValtariumDOS (VDOS). Unlike the rudimentary and often proprietary coding languages that were prevalent, VDOS was designed to be user-friendly, intuitive, and most importantly, open for developers. Although it struggled at first, gaining international attention for its advanced features but not necessarily sales, it laid the groundwork for what was to come. The breakthrough for Valtari came when they introduced a suite of software tools specifically designed for VDOS. This suite - called Valtari WorkSpaces - enhanced the capabilities of the ITM Blue, offering features like basic word processing, spreadsheet calculations, and even rudimentary graphics design tools – things that were unheard of in the personal computing world of the time.
ITM Blue users were eager to get their hands on Valtari's software, which unlocked the full potential of their machines. The demand was such that in 1980, Antellion and Veschertio had to move their operations to a larger office and rapidly expand their team. Antellion dropped out of university but Veschertio finished his education. The rapid success of Valtari caught the attention of bigger players in the market, including ITM itself. ITM, having witnessed Valtari's meteoric rise and the potential it unlocked for ITM Blue users, filed a series of lawsuits alleging that Valtari had infringed on various patents held by ITM. One of the primary contentions was the alleged similarity between Valtari's VDOS and an early prototype software that ITM had shelved years ago. These cases, collectively known in the tech world as the "VDOS Litigations", lasted several years and brought considerable tension between the two tech giants. The legal battles, while overt, were just the tip of the iceberg. Beneath the surface, a covert game of espionage began to unfold. Given the political tensions of the Cold War between Caphiria and Urcea, the tech race was more than just corporate rivalry; it bore the undertones of national pride and geopolitical maneuvering.
ITM, backed by some factions within the Urcean state, employed a group of covert operatives to infiltrate Valtari in the summer of 1982. Their aim was two-fold: to gather evidence to bolster ITM's legal claims and to pilfer secrets that could give ITM an edge in the rapidly evolving tech market. A key engineer at Valtari, Lusian Telmaros, who was closely involved in the development of VDOS, suddenly went missing. Rumors circulated that he had been kidnapped or even assassinated. After weeks of frantic search and media frenzy, Telmaros reappeared, claiming he had been held captive and interrogated by unknown assailants about Valtari's software secrets. While he didn't directly accuse ITM, the insinuation was clear. This incident heightened tensions not only between Valtari and ITM but also drew diplomatic ire between Caphiria and Urcea.
In 1983, Valtari discovered that Marina Sertor, a recently hired coder, was found to be funneling sensitive information and software prototypes to unknown contacts. Her capture and subsequent interrogation revealed links to a shadowy organization with ties to Urcean intelligence agencies. As the corporate espionage saga threatened to snowball into a full-blown diplomatic crisis, the Assumption Accords had been signed by the governments of Caphiria and Urcea, ending the Cold War. Diplomats from both countries began backchannel communications immediately, realizing the potential fallout of letting corporate rivalries dictate national foreign policies. In a secret meeting in Faneria, terms were negotiated, leading to a sudden and unexpected out-of-court settlement between Valtari and ITM. The details of this settlement were never made public, but the rapid de-escalation hinted at significant concessions from both sides.
After the settlement, while Valtari and ITM remained competitors, they began a series of collaborations, pooling resources in areas of mutual interest. This was seen by many as an attempt to bring a semblance of peace to the tech industry, which had been rattled by the intense rivalry and espionage activities.
1985-87: Rentius' leadership, VID, Valtari-M, and WorkSpaces
In 1985, Antellion and Veschertio were introduced to Ronan Rentius, an Urcean executive who was previously at ITM. Recognizing the potential of Valtari and the passion of its founders, Rentius joined the company, bringing with him a wealth of industry contacts and business strategies that would propel Valtari to greater heights. Under his leadership, Valtari forged strategic partnerships, expanded its product lineup, and firmly established itself as a major player in the software industry. By the end of the decade, Valtari had not only survived the PC Wars but had emerged as a dominant force, shaping the direction in which personal computing was headed.
On August 19, 1986, Valtari announced the VID Framework, an alliance with Kiravian software company IXCO Digital. VID's purpose was to create a unified, open-source digital framework for software and hardware products and provide interoperability globally. The VID Framework revolutionized the tech industry, with other companies and developers quickly adopting it as a universal standard. The VID Framework wasn't just a technical collaboration; it was a statement of intent. It marked the beginning of a movement towards a more integrated digital realm. The framework provided developers with a shared set of tools, guidelines, and protocols to ensure that their software and hardware solutions were compatible across various platforms. This meant that a product designed in Caphiria could seamlessly integrate with a product from Kiravia, breaking down technological barriers and fostering global collaboration.
The introduction of VID was met with widespread acclaim and rapid adoption. Startups to tech giants began integrating their products within the VID ecosystem. This move towards universal interoperability led to a surge in innovation, with tech products becoming more versatile, user-friendly, and globally accessible. Governments, recognizing the potential, began mandating VID compatibility in public sector tech projects, further boosting its prevalence. With the success of VID, Valtari organized a series of annual tech summits known as the OpenTech Conventions starting from 1987. These conventions became the epicenter for discussions on open standards, attracting tech visionaries, industry leaders, and innovators from around the globe. Workshops, panel discussions, and hackathons centered around the VID Framework and the future of open-source technology were highlights of these events. While the VID Framework received global praise, it wasn't without its detractors. Certain tech conglomerates, heavily invested in proprietary systems, launched campaigns challenging the viability and security of open standards. There were concerns about intellectual property rights, quality control, and potential vulnerabilities in an open-source ecosystem. Valtari, alongside its partners, responded by establishing rigorous testing and validation processes. They also set up dedicated forums for developers to report issues and collaboratively find solutions, turning potential vulnerabilities into strengths through collective effort. The VID Framework would become synonymous with open standards in tech. Antellion and Veschertio's emphasis on collaboration over competition, openness over exclusivity, and global progress over regional dominance had reshaped the industry's ethos. The duo's commitment to open standards not only solidified Valtari's position as a tech pioneer but also their own personal brands.
In a strategic move that caught the entire tech industry off guard, Valtari, in late 1987, unveiled the Valtari-M. The launch event, held in Venceia, was attended by industry experts, tech journalists, and enthusiasts from around the globe. The Valtari-M was not just another personal computer; it was designed as an advanced terminal system that was way ahead of its time. Built to fully leverage the capabilities of the VID Framework, it promised seamless interoperability with other devices and platforms. The device boasted superior processing power, sleek aesthetics, and a user-friendly interface. But what truly set it apart was its built-in capability to connect to proto versions of the Cratis Network, what would eventually become the internet. While rudimentary by later standards, this functionality represented a giant leap towards a connected digital future. Valtari-M users could, for the first time, technically send and receive digital messages, share files, and even access a basic form of web browsing - albeit at speeds unreasonable for real-world use.
1988-90: IPO and mainstream success
Antellion and Veschertio, riding on the success of Valtari, became iconic figures not only in the tech industry but also in global business circles. Their story of resilience, innovation, and triumph against formidable odds resonated deeply. They became known as the first generation of tech titans, alongside other contemporaries who had made significant strides in their respective tech ventures. In 1989, both Antellion and Veschertio were featured on the cover of the prestigious Technology Today magazine, with a headline reading "Masters of the Digital Realm". The feature highlighted their journey, their vision for the future of computing, and how they were spearheading the wave of digital revolution. In an interview, Antellion and Veschertio spoke on the limitations of a fragmented digital ecosystem. They believed that for technology to truly evolve and benefit humanity on a global scale, it needed to be open, accessible, and collaborative. The proprietary systems and exclusivity that dominated the market at the time were seen as roadblocks to universal progress.
1988-2006: Rentius era, acquisitions, and diversification
In 1993, Valtari purchased Codicis, an e-book and audiobook distribution service. Over an 8 year span, the company went on an aggressive acquisition spree and purchased 11 companies
Misconduct allegations
2006-2019: Riśakarin era, WorkSpaces X, and success
Acquisition of Electron
2019-present: Èvxevma era, push into video games and cloud
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Organization
Valtari conducts most of its business through three main sectors: Consumer Technologies, Business Solutions, and Security & Identity.
Consumer Technologies
- Social Media and Communication
- Thinkpages - a leading social media platform which facilitates users to interact and share content, including texts, photos, and multimedia. With features like 'friends', customizable privacy settings, and notifications, it provides an immersive social networking experience. Thinkpages was purchased in 2022 for $97.5 billion in a half-cash, half-stock deal.
- Nuntia - An integrated instant messaging and VoIP platform, Nuntia caters to both personal and professional communication needs. Its features promote seamless communication, whether through text chats, voice calls, or video conferencing. Nuntia was purchased in 2009 for $2.4 billion in cash.
- Digital Content and Retail
- Codicis - Valtari's e-book and audiobook distribution service, Codicis offers a vast library of digital content. Its platform is designed for ease of use, allowing users to access and purchase content seamlessly.
- Electron - Acquired in 2014, Electron is a consumer electronics retailer. It provides a wide range of electronic products from various brands, making it a go-to destination for tech enthusiasts and general consumers alike.
- Victrix Interactive - Acquired in 2019, Victrix Interactive is a video game developer of popular strategy games such as the Legiones Eternas series, which allows players to lead legions, govern provinces, and shape the destiny of an empire resembling historical Caphiria.
- Silvarum Software - Acquired in 2024, Silvarum Software is a video game developer and software company best known for its immersive open-world RPGs that merge traditional storytelling with groundbreaking graphics. Silvarum developed its own proprietary game engine called SomniaEngine, which it licenses out to other game developers. With SomniaEngine XX (2030), the engine now supports advanced cloud-based tools and real-time machine learning for efficient coding structures. SomniaEngine XX also introduced AI-driven tools for game personalization.
Business Solutions
- Productivity and Collaboration
- WorkSpaces X - Tailored for productivity, WorkSpaces X is a comprehensive software suite that includes word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation tools. Designed for both individual and collaborative tasks, it remains a favorite among professionals seeking efficient software solutions.
- Legati - Encrypted internal communications system
- Collabrio - An interactive whiteboard platform, facilitating brainstorming sessions, design thinking, and project planning. It seamlessly integrates with other Valtari products for real-time collaboration.
- Data and Analytics
- Praedico Analytics - Data visualization and business intelligence software.
- Cognitio - Launched in 2015, Cognitio offers geo-analytics solutions. Their platform TerraSight provides detailed spatial analytics, helping businesses understand geographical trends and patterns.
- Asperto Datastreams - Established in 2017, Asperto specializes in real-time data streaming and processing. Their proprietary software, Egraphium, can handle vast data streams and convert them into actionable insights instantaneously. The company also develops Ingularium, a suite of quantitative analytics tools for the financial sector.
- Supply Chain and E-commerce Solutions
- Tractare - Supply chain management and e-commerce platform
- Accommemo - Launched in 2020, Accommemo is an AI-driven supply chain optimization company. Their software, PathOptim, ensures deliveries are efficient, timely, and cost-effective, factoring in variables like weather, traffic, and geopolitical events.
- ChainLinker - Acquired in 2022, ChainLinker focuses on integrating disparate elements of supply chains. Their suite, SynthChain, allows businesses to have a consolidated view of suppliers, distributors, and retailers, ensuring smooth operations.
Security and Identity
- Custodia - Digital identity verification service
- Custodia Enterprise - An enterprise-level digital identity verification system tailored for large corporations and government entities. Equipped with compliance and facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, and voice match.
- Fidentia - A password manager and digital wallet that uses military-grade encryption.
- Centinela Surveillance - Founded in 2020, Centinela is a physical security company that marries traditional CCTV systems with AI-driven analytics. Their solutions can detect suspicious behaviors in crowded areas, making them invaluable for public spaces and events
- Invictus Cybersecurity Solutions - Acquired in 2024, Invictus is a cybersecurity firm that specializes in both next-generation firewalls with integrated intrusion prevention systems (IPS) and advanced persistent threats (APTs) and zero-day attacks. They provide both endpoint protection and cloud security solutions, and their adaptive security algorithms learn from traffic patterns to preemptively block malicious activities.
Corporate affairs
Board of directors
- Erithakur Sarsoveritan, Chairman
- Sarino Antellion, Executive Director
- Călian Veschertio, Executive Director
- Vidor Riśakarin, Executive Director
- Vithek Pasirendev, non-executive director
- Salverno Papolo, non-executive director
- Davran Caescanius, non-executive director
- Siomhe Brenner, non-executive director
- George Haymes, non-executive director
Executive management
The executive management team of Valtari consists of:
- Kolm Èvxevma, Chief Executive
- Vidor Riśakarin, Strategic Executive Advisor
- Ivalerio Antellion, Executive of Operations
- Marcos Perle, Executive of Thinkpages
Finances
Workplace culture
Controversies
Valtari has been involved in several controversies, notably facing antitrust allegations after the Valtari Papers exposed attempts to monopolize the tech industry, leading to major legal challenges. The firm also encountered backlash for its hostile takeover of Junctus, a startup admired for ethical practices, triggering a Senate inquiry into Valtari's acquisition tactics. Labor relations have been strained by Project Nightingale, an employee walkout protesting against the company's demanding work environment and labor policies.