Base44 Launches Proprietary AI Model to Boost App Development Efficiency

Base44, the AI-powered app development platform owned by Wix, has unveiled its own large language model (LLM) called Base1, designed to replace the generic models it previously used from companies like OpenAI and Anthropic. The new model, developed and optimized over several months based on an open-source foundation, aims to reduce reliance on major AI providers and enhance performance specifically for app creation tasks. According to Base44 CEO Maor Shlomo, Base1 is tailored to excel in building applications by leveraging extensive data collected from millions of apps and users on the platform over the past two years, enabling it to better understand user needs and app success factors.

Shlomo emphasized that Base1 offers clear advantages such as lower cost, faster operation, and potentially improved design capabilities compared to generic models, which must perform well across many tasks. The model is continuously trained in virtual environments to improve coding accuracy and decision-making relevant to app development. While initial versions match top market models in app-building performance, future iterations are expected to surpass competitors by being deeply integrated with Base44’s platform and user requirements.

Founded by Shlomo in late 2024 shortly after his military reserve service, Base44 pioneered "vibe-coding," enabling users without programming skills to create websites and apps through natural language chat. The company quickly gained traction, partnering with firms like eToro and SimilarWeb, and was acquired by Wix for $80 million within six months. By November, Base44 reported over 2 million users and an annual revenue run rate of $50 million, which grew to $150 million by May, making it the largest AI-based app creation platform in North America.

Despite its success, Base44 has faced significant security challenges, including a major authorization flaw disclosed in July that exposed personal and trade secret data across thousands of apps, and critical vulnerabilities identified by cybersecurity firm Imperva. These issues are partly due to AI-generated coding errors that create security weaknesses exploitable by hackers. Shlomo stated the company has invested heavily in multiple security layers, including automated scanners that detect vulnerabilities and improper configurations before app deployment. Base44 also plans to announce partnerships with major cybersecurity firms soon to further strengthen protection for non-technical users.

Overall, Base44’s launch of Base1 represents a strategic move to enhance its AI capabilities, reduce dependency on external providers, and improve the safety and efficiency of app development for its rapidly growing user base.