Halfway to Genius

Building WordPress with Matt Mullenweg #43

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Today, we have a truly remarkable guest, someone who has not only shaped the internet but has also done it with a unique vision and commitment to open source. We're talking about Matt Molweg, the founder of WordPress, a platform that powers an astounding 40% of all websites on the internet. Yes, you heard that right – 40%!

But Matt's story isn't just about building a hugely successful platform. It's also about the tough decisions he's made along the way. Imagine turning down a $200 million acquisition offer at just 24 years old! We'll delve into what that was like and how he had the conviction to pursue a bigger vision for WordPress.

In this episode, we'll explore:

  • The early days of WordPress, from its humble beginnings as a blog for friends to a global phenomenon.
  • The surprising fact that WordPress might be one of the most under-monetized businesses on earth, despite its massive reach.
  • The strategy behind key acquisitions, especially WooCommerce, which has become like Microsoft Office to WordPress's Windows.
  • The principles behind open source and why Matt believes it's a moral imperative, despite the challenges in competing with proprietary platforms like Shopify.
  • The recent "drama" and legal battles Matt has faced protecting the WordPress trademark.
  • Matt's unique approach to hiring, and how he's built a globally distributed team of 750 people with colleagues in 90 countries using auditions instead of interviews.
  • How and why everyone in the company, even the CEO, does customer support and how that has led to key insights.
  • His thoughts on the rapid development of AI and the cool new models, like DeepSeek.

    • Matt’s journey is a fascinating blend of technological innovation, ethical considerations, and business acumen, making this an episode you won't want to miss. So, let's dive in and learn from the mind behind WordPress!


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    Original source:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onaLfllSBvw

    —

    Halfway to Genius brought to you by YuzuSpark

    Making AI simple, human, and ready to solve your challenges. For more about how we can help you work smarter and live better, visit https://yuzuspark.com/


    Stay curious. Stay inspired. See you next episode!

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