Automattic is a leading web development company renowned for its contributions to the digital publishing landscape. Founded in 2005 by Matt Mullenweg, the company has played a pivotal role in democratizing online publishing and commerce.
Table of Contents
Overview of Automattic
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2005 by Matt Mullenweg |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, California |
| Global Presence | Over 1,700 employees (known as Automatticians) distributed across 98 countries, speaking 123 different languages. |
| Valuation | Valued at $7.5 billion as of October 2021. |
| Core Products | – WordPress.com: A freemium blogging platform. – WooCommerce: An open-source e-commerce plugin for WordPress. – Jetpack: A WordPress plugin offering security, performance, and site management tools. |
| Mission | To make the web a better place by enabling open and accessible publishing and commerce. |
Revenue and User Growth (2010-2024)
Automattic has experienced significant growth in both revenue and user base over the years. Below is a summary of the company’s financial performance and monthly active users (MAUs) from 2010 to 2024:
| Year | Revenue (Million $) | Growth (%) | MAUs (Million) | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 45 | – | 100 | – |
| 2011 | 60 | 33.3 | 120 | 20 |
| 2012 | 80 | 33.3 | 150 | 25 |
| 2013 | 100 | 25 | 180 | 20 |
| 2014 | 125 | 25 | 220 | 22.2 |
| 2015 | 160 | 28 | 270 | 22.7 |
| 2016 | 200 | 25 | 330 | 22.2 |
| 2017 | 250 | 25 | 400 | 21.2 |
| 2018 | 310 | 24 | 480 | 20 |
| 2019 | 380 | 22.6 | 570 | 18.8 |
| 2020 | 460 | 21.1 | 670 | 17.5 |
| 2021 | 550 | 19.6 | 780 | 16.4 |
| 2022 | 580.2 | 5.5 | 900 | 15.4 |
| 2023 | 645 | 11.2 | 1,020 | 13.3 |
| 2024 | 710 | 10.1 | 1,150 | 12.7 |
Note: The above figures are based on available data and estimates.
Revenue Distribution (2024)
Automattic’s revenue streams are diversified across various products and services:
| Revenue Source | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|
| WordPress.com | 40 |
| WooCommerce | 35 |
| Jetpack | 15 |
| Other Services | 10 |
Note: The above distribution is an approximation based on industry analysis.
Funding History
Over the years, Automattic has secured substantial funding across multiple rounds:
- Series A (April 2006): Raised $1.1 million from investors including Polaris Partners and True Ventures.
- Series B (January 2008): Secured $29.5 million from investors such as Polaris Partners, True Ventures, and The New York Times Company.
- Series C (May 2014): Raised $160 million, led by Insight Venture Partners, with participation from other investors.
- Series D (September 2019): Obtained $300 million from Salesforce Ventures, valuing the company at $3 billion.
- Series E (February 2021): Raised $288 million, bringing the company’s valuation to $7.5 billion.
In total, Automattic has raised approximately $896 million over these funding rounds.
Institutional Shareholders
Automattic’s growth has been supported by a diverse group of institutional investors, including:
- Salesforce Ventures: Participated in the Series D round in September 2019.
- Tiger Global Management: Invested during the Series B round in May 2013.
- True Ventures: One of the early investors, participating in the Series B round in January 2008.
- Insight Partners: Led the Series C funding round in May 2014.
- Polaris Partners: Invested in the Series A round in April 2006.
- The New York Times Company: Participated in the Series B round in January 2008.
These investments have played a crucial role in Automattic’s expansion and its ability to innovate within the digital publishing and e-commerce sectors.
As of March 2025, Automattic remains a privately held company, with no official plans announced for an initial public offering (IPO).
Automattic Business Segments
Automattic Inc. operates in multiple business segments, primarily focusing on digital publishing, e-commerce, content management, and enterprise solutions. The company’s diverse portfolio caters to individuals, small businesses, and large enterprises.
Content Management & Website Building
Automattic is best known for its flagship product, WordPress.com, which powers millions of websites globally. It provides a user-friendly platform for blogging, website creation, and content management.
- WordPress.com – A managed hosting service for WordPress-powered websites.
- Jetpack – A security and performance optimization plugin for WordPress sites.
- WordPress VIP – A premium cloud hosting and enterprise-level content management system for large organizations.
E-commerce Solutions
Automattic has a strong presence in the e-commerce sector through WooCommerce, an open-source plugin that allows businesses to create online stores on WordPress.
- WooCommerce – A widely used e-commerce plugin that enables businesses to sell products and services online.
- WooPayments – A built-in payment processing service for WooCommerce stores.
Social Media & Microblogging
The company has expanded into social networking and microblogging through its acquisition of Tumblr, a platform that combines blogging with social media features.
- Tumblr – A microblogging platform where users share multimedia content and engage with communities.
Productivity & Collaboration Tools
Automattic also offers tools that enhance collaboration, note-taking, and content distribution.
- Simplenote – A minimalistic note-taking app that syncs across devices.
- Day One – A digital journaling app for personal and professional use.
- Akismet – An anti-spam service that helps websites filter out spam comments and malicious content.
Enterprise & Developer Services
Automattic provides premium solutions for enterprises, developers, and publishers.
- WordPress VIP – A high-end managed hosting service for enterprise customers.
- CrowdSignal – A survey and polling tool for businesses and researchers.
- Gravatar – A globally recognized avatar service used across multiple platforms.
Automattic operates in multiple business segments, leveraging its expertise in content management, e-commerce, social networking, and enterprise solutions. By continuously expanding its portfolio, the company remains a leader in the digital publishing and web services industry.
Recent Developments
In recent years, Automattic has continued to expand its product offerings and global reach. The company’s commitment to open-source development and a distributed work culture has positioned it as a leader in the tech industry. With a valuation of $7.5 billion as of October 2021, Automattic continues to innovate and adapt to the evolving digital landscape.
Conclusion
Automattic’s journey from a startup to a global leader in web development exemplifies its dedication to empowering users and enhancing the digital experience. Through continuous innovation and a commitment to open-source principles, the company is poised for sustained growth in the years to come.
