Fabian Thylmann | |
|---|---|
| Born | (1978-06-05)5 June 1978 (age 47) |
| Occupation(s) | Angel investor, entrepreneur |
| Years active | 1999–present |
| Known for | |
| Children | 4 |
Fabian Thylmann (born 5 June 1978) is a German businessman who was the founder and managing partner of theInternet pornography conglomerate Manwin (nowAylo).[1] In October 2013, he sold his stake in the company, which was at the time the largest pornography operator in the world.[2]
Thylmann was born inAachen. He started computer programming when he was 17.[3] His breakthrough came in the late 1990s when he developed software calledNATS (Next-generation Affiliate Tracking Software), which enabled website operators to track users' clicks on advertisements and links so that they could be paid commission.[4] Thylmann used the money he made with NATS to buy variousInternet pornography companies, and in March 2010, he establishedManwin by acquiring the companies Mensef and Interhub.[3] Manwin boughtPornhub,YouPorn,RedTube,Brazzers,Twistys.com,Mofos and other pornography websites.[5]
In October 2013, Thylmann stepped down and sold Manwin for €73 million, for undisclosed reasons.[6]
Upon the sale of Manwin, Thylmann wrote in a letter to employees:
It is with a sad heart that I have to announce that I have decided to sell Manwin to Manwin's top management team. Please believe me that this decision has been one of the hardest in our lives for both my wife and myself. [...] Both myself and Manwin are at a stage where I can no longer add significant value to the best of my ability. I hope I have taught all of you and management the right values to be able to continue the company in the best possible way and I am looking forward to following its development.[5]
According to a 2016 interview withEU-Startups, Thylmann claimed that he didn't miss the "adrenaline" and responsibilities that came with running Manwin, stating that he was working on "fun relaxing projects".[7]
In December 2012, Thylmann was extradited from Belgium to Germany on suspicion oftax evasion. He did not contest the extradition order, although he reportedly denied avoiding paying tax.[8][9]
In April 2015, Thylmann wasindicted by the Cologne, Germany federal prosecutor on tax evasion charges.[10][11] The charges were dropped when he paid 5 million euros[12] but he still faces a suspended sentence in another case.[13]
