Facebook acquires assets of UK software bug finder Monoidics

18 Jul 2013

The Monoidics team consisting of Cristiano Calcagno, Dino Distefano, Peter O'Hearn and Bee Lavender

Social network Facebook has acquired certain assets of a UK-based tech firm called Monoidics that specialises in software quality verification.

Monoidics’ team will relocate to Facebook’s London offices. The company’s technology will be used by Facebook in its mobile development process to scan for bugs.

“This asset acquisition represents our investment in the quality of our mobile applications platform and also our people, as members of their talented engineering team will join us to work at Facebook’s London office once the deal closes (pending certain closing conditions),” explained Facebook’s Philip Su.

“We have always focused on hiring smart, talented engineers – and in this acquisition, we found many. Their entrepreneurial spirit and desire to make an impact make them great additions to Facebook. We can’t wait to have them here!”

In a post on Monoidics website, the company wrote: “In 2009 we started this company with the goal of making the best automatic formal verification and analysis software in the industry. We’ve gone from theoretical ideas in logics of programs all the way to a company with a world-class engineering team, real customers and an office right in the midst of London’s Silicon Roundabout. It’s been incredible journey … we’ve loved every minute of it!

“However, we have always looked for ways we could do even more, and when we met members of Facebook’s engineering team, we realised how much we have in common: a relentless focus on quality, a desire to move fast and try new things, and a passion for making an impact. Right away we knew this was our chance to take what we’ve built to the next level. Joining the Facebook team opens up a world of new opportunity for our technology and for our individual and collective scientific expertise,” Monoidics said.

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com