Israeli AI Entrepreneur Maor Shlomo Sells Solo Startup for $80 Million After Months of Sleepless Work

Maor Shlomo, an Israeli tech entrepreneur, achieved a remarkable personal exit of $80 million within just six months by single-handedly developing Base 44, an AI-powered platform that enables users to create software without coding knowledge. The startup, which began as a casual project during a vacation, quickly gained millions of users worldwide and generated $1 million in revenue within three weeks of launch, all while Shlomo was the sole employee.

Shlomo's journey started after completing 400 days of military reserve duty in Unit 8200. He initially intended to build a simple, enjoyable business but ended up revolutionizing software creation through natural language commands. Despite offers to upgrade his old laptop, Shlomo remained attached to it as a symbol of his journey. The intense success brought immense pressure, leading to months without sleep as he ensured the platform's stability and user trust.

Born in Haifa, Shlomo struggled academically but found success through determination and hard work, founding his first company, Explorium, at 23, which raised $127 million and reached a $500 million valuation. Recently, his mother’s battle with lung cancer deeply affected him, inspiring him to establish a cancer research fund using AI. She passed away shortly after witnessing his wedding.

In June 2025, Shlomo sold Base 44 to Wix for $80 million, a figure that has since grown to over $150 million. He emphasizes that financial gain was not his primary motivation; rather, he sought global scale and impact. Shlomo works closely with Wix’s founder Avishai Abrahami and values the experienced team Wix provides.

Looking ahead, Shlomo advises young people against spending years on formal degrees, urging them to develop practical skills and adaptability, especially in AI. Despite his wealth, he remains grounded, finding peace in painting and focusing on family. He hopes to see significant advances in cancer research and continued growth for Base 44 in the near future.