Wix Embraces AI with Strategic Acquisition of Innovative App Builder

Israeli company Wix has acquired BASE44, a startup founded by Maor Shlomo, for $80 million, potentially increasing based on revenue targets through 2029. Shlomo, a 31-year-old programmer, created an intuitive no-code app development tool that attracts significant attention, amassing over 100,000 users in just six months. The acquisition enables Wix to enhance its offerings by integrating BASE44’s AI-powered platform, which allows users to build applications through natural language prompts without coding. Despite BASE44’s rapid success and profitability, Shlomo believes Wix is the ideal partner for scaling operations and distribution. He envisions that their tool could revolutionize enterprise software development. The deal occurred amidst challenging circumstances, coinciding with the outbreak of war in Israel. Wix plans to maintain the BASE44 brand and product separately, while Shlomo transitioned to a Wix employee role, emphasizing the need for a strong partner to compete in the fast-moving tech landscape.

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