Ben Holland In an era where online privacy is more critical than ever, choosing a Virtual Private Network (VPN) isn’t just about speed or server locations—it’s about trust. Who owns your VPN? For millions of users worldwide, NordVPN stands as a beacon of secure browsing, but behind its robust encryption lies a complex web of corporate parentage, expansive cybersecurity holdings, and a commitment to digital governance. If you’ve ever wondered, “Who owns NordVPN?” this comprehensive guide dives deep into its ownership structure, revealing how Nord Security and its incubator roots shape one of the most trusted names in cybersecurity. As cyber threats evolve in 2025, understanding NordVPN’s corporate lineage isn’t optional—it’s essential for informed digital protection.
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The Origins of NordVPN: From Startup to Global Powerhouse
NordVPN burst onto the scene in 2012, founded by two Lithuanian tech visionaries: Tomas Okman (often referred to as Tom Okman) and Eimantas Sabaliauskas. What began as a passion project to shield users from surveillance and hackers quickly grew into a juggernaut, boasting over 14 million subscribers by 2025. Headquartered in Panama—a jurisdiction renowned for its stringent no-logs policies and privacy-friendly laws—NordVPN was designed with Nordic principles of transparency and security at its core. This strategic base allows the service to operate independently of the EU’s GDPR mandates or U.S. surveillance alliances like the Five Eyes, ensuring users’ data remains truly private.
But NordVPN didn’t build its empire in isolation. From day one, it was nurtured by Tesonet, a Lithuanian-based business incubator specializing in tech startups. Tesonet, co-founded by the same duo of Okman and Sabaliauskas, provided the seed capital, infrastructure, and expertise that propelled NordVPN’s early growth. By 2018, NordVPN had rebranded its development arm as Nord Security (formerly Nordsec Ltd), a dedicated cybersecurity entity focused on expanding beyond VPNs. This evolution marked a pivotal shift, transforming NordVPN from a standalone product into the flagship of a broader privacy ecosystem.
Fast-forward to 2025, and NordVPN’s trajectory reflects the booming cybersecurity market, valued at over $200 billion globally. The company’s emphasis on features like Double VPN, Onion over VPN, and Threat Protection has solidified its reputation, earning top marks from independent auditors like Deloitte for its audited no-logs policy. Yet, as users demand more than just technical prowess, questions about corporate control loom large: Who pulls the strings at NordVPN?
Corporate Parentage: Unraveling the Layers of Ownership
At its heart, NordVPN is wholly owned by Nord Security, a private cybersecurity firm with roots in Lithuania but operational hubs across Europe, including the Netherlands. Nord Security isn’t just a holding company—it’s an innovation engine, developing tools that empower individuals and businesses to navigate the digital world securely. However, the plot thickens: Nord Security itself falls under the umbrella of Tesonet, the incubator that birthed it. This structure creates a layered parentage where Tesonet acts as the strategic overseer, fostering growth while allowing operational autonomy.
Tesonet’s role is more than financial—it’s foundational. As a tech accelerator, it has incubated over a dozen companies, channeling resources into high-potential ventures like Nord Security. Unlike venture capital firms that seek quick exits, Tesonet’s model emphasizes long-term incubation, aligning incentives with founders who retain significant control. Okman and Sabaliauskas, as co-founders of both entities, embody this synergy, blending entrepreneurial drive with institutional support.
External investors have entered the fray, injecting capital to fuel expansion. In April 2022, Nord Security secured a landmark $100 million funding round led by Novator Ventures, catapulting its valuation to $1.6 billion and marking its first outside investment. This was followed by another $100 million infusion from Warburg Pincus in September 2023, underscoring investor confidence in the cybersecurity sector’s resilience amid rising global threats. By mid-2025, no major ownership shifts have occurred, maintaining a stable structure dominated by its founders and Tesonet. Importantly, NordVPN has zero ties to Chinese entities—a common user concern—operating servers outside mainland China and adhering to Panama’s data protection ethos.
This parentage isn’t without scrutiny. Critics, including some online forums, have flagged Tesonet’s diverse portfolio—including data analytics firms—as a potential conflict. Yet, Nord Security’s audited practices and Panama registration mitigate these risks, ensuring that user data never crosses paths with unrelated Tesonet operations. For VPN users, this translates to peace of mind: Your traffic is encrypted, anonymized, and shielded from corporate overreach.
Cybersecurity Holdings: A Fortress of Privacy Tools
Nord Security’s portfolio extends far beyond NordVPN, forming a comprehensive suite of cybersecurity holdings that address every facet of digital defense. This diversified approach not only bolsters NordVPN’s ecosystem but also positions the parent company as a one-stop shop for online protection.
At the forefront is Surfshark, acquired via a 2022 merger that unified two industry leaders under Nord Security’s banner. Surfshark’s unlimited device connections and budget-friendly pricing complement NordVPN’s premium features, serving over 6 million users. Together, they command a significant market share, with combined revenues exceeding $500 million annually.
Complementing these VPNs are specialized tools like NordPass, a password manager that uses XChaCha20 encryption to safeguard credentials across devices. NordLocker, meanwhile, offers end-to-end encrypted file storage, ideal for sensitive documents in an age of ransomware attacks. For businesses, NordLayer provides scalable VPN solutions with zero-trust architecture, catering to remote workforces. Emerging holdings include NordStellar (malware defense) and Saily (mobile data privacy), reflecting Nord Security’s forward-thinking strategy.
This holdings structure enhances user value through seamless integrations—imagine auto-filling passwords via NordPass while browsing securely on NordVPN. In 2025, with cyber incidents up 15% year-over-year, these tools aren’t luxuries; they’re necessities. Nord Security’s R&D investments, fueled by recent funding, ensure these products evolve with threats like AI-driven phishing and quantum computing risks.
Digital Governance: Pioneering Privacy and Accountability
Digital governance at NordVPN transcends compliance—it’s a philosophy embedded in corporate DNA. Under Nord Security’s stewardship, the company champions ethical data handling, transparency, and internet freedom, setting benchmarks for the industry.
Central to this is NordVPN’s audited no-logs policy, verified biannually by third-party firms, confirming zero retention of user activity. Monthly transparency reports detail government inquiries and DMCA takedown requests, with NordVPN rejecting over 90% of data demands due to Panama’s privacy laws. This openness contrasts sharply with less transparent competitors, fostering trust in an opaque market.
On the broader front, Nord Security engages in global advocacy. Through partnerships with organizations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), it supports initiatives for net neutrality and against censorship. Internally, data governance frameworks ensure accuracy, consistency, and security across holdings, aligning with ISO 27001 standards. The company’s IT governance emphasizes risk management, from supply chain audits to AI ethics in threat detection.
In 2025, as regulations like the EU’s Digital Services Act tighten, Nord Security’s proactive stance—investing in AI for compliance while prioritizing user rights—positions it as a governance leader. Users benefit from features like digital privacy controls, where they dictate data flows, embodying true user-centric governance.
Navigating the Future: Why Ownership Matters for Users
Who owns NordVPN? Ultimately, it’s a founder-led entity under Tesonet’s nurturing wing, backed by savvy investors and Panama’s protective jurisdiction. This corporate parentage fuels a robust cybersecurity holdings portfolio, while digital governance practices ensure accountability. For users, it means a VPN that’s not just secure, but principled.
As cyber landscapes shift, staying informed on “NordVPN ownership” empowers better choices. Whether you’re a privacy advocate or casual browser, Nord Security’s ecosystem delivers unparalleled protection. In a world of data breaches and surveillance, knowing your VPN’s guardians is the first step to digital sovereignty.
References
- Wikipedia. (2025). NordVPN. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NordVPN
- Cybernews. (2025, July 24). Who Owns NordVPN? Is it Owned by China? Retrieved from https://cybernews.com/best-vpn/nordvpn-review/who-owns-nordvpn/
- VPN.com. (2025). Who Owns NordVPN & Where It’s Based: Full 2025 Update. Retrieved from https://www.vpn.com/faq/who-owns-nordvpn/
- Windscribe Blog. (n.d.). Who Owns Express VPN, Nord, Surfshark? VPN Relationships. Retrieved from https://windscribe.com/blog/the-vpn-relationship-map/
- CicadaVPN. (2024, September 7). Who Really Controls Your VPN? Uncovering the Directors. Retrieved from https://cicadavpn.substack.com/p/who-really-owns-your-vpn-a-look-at
- VPNpro. (n.d.). Who owns your VPN? 105 VPNs run by just 24 companies. Retrieved from https://vpnpro.com/blog/hidden-vpn-owners-unveiled-97-vpns-23-companies/
