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

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    Halfway to GeniusBy Yuzu Spark