Matt Mullenweg: Wordpress Co-Founder
Technology innovator and open-source pioneer Matt Mullenweg co-founded WordPress and leads Automattic, shaping the future of digital publishing, distributed work, and the open web.
Quick Facts:
- Highlights:
- Co-founder of WordPress, the world’s leading content management system
- Founder and CEO of Automattic, a fully distributed global company
- Advocate for open-source software and digital ownership
- Founder of Audrey Capital, supporting innovative technology ventures
- Formats: Technology keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and open-source thought leader
- Audiences: Technology leaders, entrepreneurs, developers, digital creators, business executives, and organizations navigating the future of work and innovation
- Outcomes:
- Clear understanding of open-source principles and their business impact
- Insight into the future of digital publishing and distributed teams
- Inspiration to build scalable, people-centered technology ecosystems
- Travels from: Houston, TX
- **Fee range: $50,001 - $75,000
Talent Services
Keynote Topics:
Why Working From Home is Good for Business
With the confinement of cities and even entire countries during the Coronavirus COVID-19 crisis, many companies were forced to send their workers home and implement telework in record time. Matt Mullenweg, a successful entrepreneur at various companies such as WordPress or WooCommerce, already had an organizational culture in place for years that effectively allowed its workers to work from home, with excellent results.
In 2017, he sold the company’s offices in San Francisco because almost no employee used them anymore. Since then, all of his companies have a 100 percent distributed workforce. In this keynote, Matt will talk about the great benefits for workers but also for companies of adopting work-at-home models that foster flexibility and allows employees to effectively combine their private and work lives in our complicated and fast-changing world.
Entrepreneurship: The Story of WordPress
In 2003, when he was just 19 years old, Matt Mullenweg was already a pioneering blogger. When the developer of the software he used for blogging, b2, disappeared and stopped updating it, Matt decided to clone the program and improve it so that everyone could continue blogging. And thus, WordPress was born.
Today, almost two decades later, WordPress is responsible for creating 30% of Internet websites and is the undisputed market leader. Matt Mullenweg, now a multi-millionaire successful entrepreneur, will tell in this keynote his success story not only founding WordPress but many other companies that he has founded and are now used by millions of users around the globe.
Talent Short Bio
Matt Mullenweg is the visionary co-founder of WordPress and CEO of Automattic, widely recognized for transforming how the world creates and shares content online. His work in open-source software has democratized publishing, enabling millions of individuals and organizations to build and own their digital presence.
Born in Houston, Texas, Matt’s early interests in technology and music led him to study jazz saxophone at the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. While attending the University of Houston, he became deeply involved in blogging and open-source development, contributing to the b2 project. In 2003, at the age of 19, he partnered with Mike Little to launch WordPress, an open-source platform designed to make publishing accessible to everyone.
Under Matt’s leadership, WordPress has grown into the world’s most widely used content management system, powering more than 40 percent of the top 10 million websites. In 2005, he founded Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com, WooCommerce, Jetpack, and other influential products, while championing a fully distributed global workforce. He also founded Audrey Capital to support innovative startups and research.
Read Full Bio
Matt Mullenweg, the visionary co-founder of WordPress and CEO of Automattic, has been a transformative force in the digital publishing world. His pioneering work in open-source web development has democratized online content creation, empowering millions globally. As a speaker, Matt captivates audiences with his insights into technology, entrepreneurship, and the future of work.
Born on January 11, 1984, in Houston, Texas, Matt’s early passion for technology and music led him to the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, where he studied jazz saxophone. His journey into web development began during his time at the University of Houston, where he delved into blogging and became an active contributor to the b2 project, the precursor to WordPress. In 2003, at just 19, Matt partnered with Mike Little to create WordPress, aiming to enhance the blogging experience with a user-friendly, open-source platform.
Under Matt’s leadership, WordPress has evolved into the world’s most popular content management system, powering over 40% of the top 10 million websites. In 2005, he founded Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com, WooCommerce, and Jetpack, further solidifying his influence in the tech industry. Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, Matt established Audrey Capital, an investment and research company supporting innovative startups.
Matt’s commitment to open-source principles and distributed work models has positioned him as a thought leader in modern business practices. His annual “State of the Word” addresses offer valuable perspectives on the evolving digital landscape, reflecting his deep understanding of technology and its societal impacts.
Event planners seeking a speaker who embodies innovation and forward-thinking leadership will find Matt Mullenweg to be an exceptional choice. His presentations are not only informative but also inspire audiences to embrace change and think creatively. Matt’s ability to connect with diverse audiences and share his journey from a young developer to a leading tech entrepreneur makes him a compelling addition to any event.
In summary, Matt Mullenweg’s profound impact on web development and his visionary approach to business make him a sought-after speaker for conferences and events focused on technology, innovation, and the future of work. His story is a testament to the power of open-source collaboration and the potential of embracing new paradigms in the digital age.
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#MattMullenweg #WordPress #Automattic #OpenSource #FutureOfWork #DistributedWork #TechInnovation
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