Israeli Tech Entrepreneur Maor Shlomo Sells Solo Startup Base 44 for $80 Million

Maor Shlomo, an Israeli tech entrepreneur, achieved a remarkable personal exit of $80 million within just six months by founding Base 44, a startup that enables users to build software through natural language without technical knowledge. The company, which Shlomo developed alone using an old laptop he refused to replace, quickly gained millions of users worldwide. Base 44 allows anyone to create websites, games, and tools by simply describing what they want, with the system generating the code automatically.

Shlomo's journey began after completing 400 days of military reserve service in Unit 8200 and deciding to create a fun, manageable business rather than a large startup. The idea for Base 44 originated during a vacation when he helped his partner install software for her tattoo business. Despite launching a flawed first version, the startup rapidly grew, reaching $1 million in revenue within three weeks and attracting continuous paying users. Shlomo worked sleeplessly for months to maintain the platform's reliability, driven by user feedback about how the tool helped them build businesses and manage projects.

Born in Haifa and once struggling with attention difficulties, Shlomo previously founded Explorium, which raised $127 million and reached a $500 million valuation. He credits his success to determination, hard work, and authenticity rather than innate talent. The past year was personally challenging as his mother battled lung cancer and passed away shortly after witnessing his wedding. This loss inspired him to establish a cancer research fund using artificial intelligence, aiming to reduce suffering for other families.

In June 2025, Shlomo sold Base 44 to Wix for $80 million, a figure that has since grown to over $150 million. He emphasized that financial gain was not his primary motivation; rather, he sought global scale and the support of experienced teams. Wix CEO Avishai Abrahami praised Shlomo's talent and the acquisition's mutual benefits. Shlomo remains optimistic about AI's role in transforming industries and advises young people to prioritize practical experience over traditional academic degrees, encouraging them to develop diverse skills and leverage AI.

Despite his wealth, Shlomo's lifestyle remains modest, and he hopes to pursue his passion for painting and family life. Looking ahead, he aims to make a significant impact in cancer research and continue growing Base 44, measuring success by personal fulfillment rather than money alone.