History
Main article: Skype Technologies
Skype was founded in 2003 by Niklas Zennström, from Sweden, and Janus Friis, from Denmark.[31] The Skype software was created by Estonians Ahti Heinla, Priit Kasesalu, and Jaan Tallinn.[32] The first public beta version was released on 29 August 2003.[33]
In June 2005, Skype entered into an agreement with the Polish web portal Onet.pl for an integrated offering on the Polish market.[34] On 12 September 2005, eBay Inc. agreed to acquire Luxembourg-based Skype Technologies SA for approximately US$2.5 billion in up-front cash and eBay stock, plus potential performance-based consideration.[35]
On 1 September 2009, it was announced that eBay was selling 65% of Skype to Silver Lake, Andreessen Horowitz, and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board for US$1.9 billion, valuing Skype at US$2.75 billion.