Industry News | 6/19/2025
Wix Acquires AI Startup Base44 for $80 Million
Wix has acquired the AI startup Base44, which specializes in 'vibe coding,' for approximately $80 million. This acquisition reflects the growing trend of AI-driven software development, enabling users to create applications through a chat-based interface without extensive coding knowledge.
Wix Acquires AI Startup Base44 for $80 Million
In a significant move within the artificial intelligence sector, Wix, the Israeli website development company, has acquired the AI startup Base44 for around $80 million. This acquisition, which includes potential performance-based payments extending through 2029, marks a noteworthy development in the realm of software creation, particularly in the area of 'vibe coding.'
About Base44
Founded just nine months ago by 31-year-old Maor Shlomo, Base44 has quickly established itself as a profitable and innovative player in the AI space. The startup began as a personal project after Shlomo completed military reserve duty and has since attracted over 100,000 users without external funding. Base44 has also formed partnerships with major tech companies such as eToro and SimilarWeb.
The company operates with a lean team of fewer than ten employees, showcasing a trend where small teams leverage AI to create substantial value. Base44's technology allows users to build web and mobile applications by simply describing their needs in a chat interface, with the AI managing backend processes that typically require extensive coding knowledge.
Strategic Implications for Wix
Wix's acquisition of Base44 is seen as a strategic move to enhance its offerings in the no-code website building space. The integration of Base44's technology is expected to shift Wix's platform towards a model where users can articulate their ideas to an AI, which will then build the applications for them. This approach represents a significant evolution from traditional template-based design.
Wix CEO Avishai Abrahami described the acquisition as a pivotal milestone in the company's journey towards AI-driven creation. Base44 will continue to operate as a separate brand, allowing it to maintain its momentum while benefiting from Wix's scale and distribution capabilities.
Conclusion
The acquisition of Base44 underscores the potential for rapid innovation in the AI sector, demonstrating that small teams can achieve significant success without relying on venture capital. This deal not only highlights the resilience of the Israeli tech scene but also signals a shift in software development, where the ability to express ideas clearly is becoming more valuable than traditional coding skills.