description Janus Friis Overview
Janus Friis is a Danish technology entrepreneur known for developing internet communication and file-distribution services with Swedish entrepreneur Niklas Zennström. The pair co-founded the peer-to-peer file-sharing application Kazaa and later Skype, whose software brought internet-based voice calling to a broad consumer audience. Friis also participated in ventures including the video service Joost and the music-streaming service Rdio.
help Janus Friis FAQ
What companies did Janus Friis co-found?
Janus Friis is best known for co-founding the peer-to-peer file-sharing service Kazaa and the revolutionary voice-over-IP platform Skype. He developed these services alongside his Swedish business partner, Niklas Zennström.
Did Janus Friis create Rdio?
Yes, after his success with Skype, Janus Friis co-founded the music streaming service Rdio. Rdio was launched as a competitor to Spotify but ultimately shut down and sold its assets to Pandora in 2015.
What is Janus Friis's role in Skype?
Friis played a crucial role in the technical development and business strategy of Skype, helping to bring free internet calls to a global audience. He and Zennström later sold Skype to eBay before it was eventually acquired by Microsoft.
Is Janus Friis Danish?
Yes, Janus Friis is a Danish entrepreneur born in Copenhagen. He famously dropped out of high school and worked at a help desk before getting involved in internet startups.
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