MySQL

The first European enterprise software unicorn, MySQL is an open-source database that supports scalable web-based and embedded database applications.

The first European enterprise software unicorn, MySQL is an open-source database that supports scalable web-based and embedded database applications.
Open Source
Data Infrastructure
Milestones
Founded in 1995 Bought by Sun Microsystems for $1 billion in 2008
Investment year
Investment stage
Investment status
Exited
Deal team
Ralf Wahlsten
Tom Henriksson
Patrik Backman
The first European enterprise software unicorn, MySQL is an open-source database that supports scalable web-based and embedded database applications.

MySQL is an open-source database that supports scalable web-based and embedded database applications. Founding partners of OpenOcean, Michael ‘Monty’ Widenius, Patrik Backman and Ralf Wahlsten, were founders and early investors in MySQL.

News highlights

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9
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What we’ve learned from the front lines of AI-enabled services

Last November, we laid out a vision for AI-native services: businesses rebuilt from the ground up to combine the margins of software with the resilience and depth of services markets. Since then, we have taken dozens of first meetings, explored more than 15 verticals, backed our first deals, and sharpened our thesis along the way.
7
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Enterprise automation market industry update: automation after GenAI

At OpenOcean, we’ve long believed in automation software’s potential. It’s been a core theme in our investment focus for years, giving us early and continued exposure to exciting developments in the field.
7
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How to manage high-performance individuals in 2025

Back in 2007, we held a short presentation while working at MySQL about a type of person we called a "Super Gold-Collar Worker." These were highly skilled individuals in growth companies who had become essential to business operations.
Ralf Wahlsten
Ralf Wahlsten
Chairman
Tom Henriksson
Tom Henriksson
General Partner
Patrik Backman
Patrik Backman
General Partner
Ralf Wahlsten
Ralf Wahlsten
Chairman
Tom Henriksson
Tom Henriksson
General Partner
Patrik Backman
Patrik Backman
General Partner
Open Source
Open Source
Data Infrastructure
Data Infrastructure