Mailfence

TLDR

Mailfence is a Brussels-based encrypted email and collaboration suite with OpenPGP end-to-end encryption and zero VC funding, operated under Belgian privacy law since 2013 by ContactOffice Group.

Overview

Launched in November 2013 by Arnaud Huret and Patrick De Schutter as part of ContactOffice Group, which has operated an online collaboration platform since 1999, Mailfence provides a privacy-focused email suite protected by Belgian privacy law. The platform includes encrypted email, calendar, document storage, and contact management.

Mailfence uses true OpenPGP end-to-end encryption processed in the user's browser, meaning private keys never leave the client. Belgian privacy law requires a court order from a local judge before any information can be disclosed, providing a legal privacy layer above and beyond what GDPR mandates in practice. The company donates 15% of revenues from its Ultra plan to the Electronic Frontier Foundation and European Digital Rights.

Mailfence operates without external VC funding, relying on subscription revenue from its paid plans. It competes with Proton Mail and Tutanota in the privacy-first email segment, differentiating itself through Belgian legal jurisdiction and the breadth of its integrated collaboration features.

Key People

• Arnaud Huret - Co-founder
• Patrick De Schutter - Co-founder, CEO