NEW YORK— In a strategic move that underscores its commitment to innovation, Wix.com Ltd. (Nasdaq: WIX), the world’s leading SaaS website builder platform, has announced its acquisition of Hour One. This pioneering company in generative AI media creation is set to enhance Wix’s suite of tools for web creators, positioning the company at the forefront of the AI-driven digital experience landscape.
Founded in 2019, Hour One has rapidly gained recognition for its innovative technology that enables the creation of professional, studio-quality content at scale. Its platform is designed to foster personalized video and interactive experiences, merging the art of storytelling with real-time engagement. At the heart of Hour One’s capabilities is a proprietary cloud-based infrastructure that integrates generative AI inference with advanced 3D rendering capabilities, placing Wix in a prime position to redefine content creation.
Ronny Elkayam, COO at Wix, expressed enthusiasm about this acquisition, stating, “We are excited to expand our knowledge and investment in AI by bringing Hour One into the Wix fold. This move reinforces Wix’s position as a leader in the new era of generative AI and fuels our vision to make web creation smarter, faster, and more immersive.” Elkayam emphasized the potential for accelerated innovation and highlighted the company’s goal of building experiences previously unimagined in the industry.
One of the primary motivations behind this acquisition is the ability to gain higher quality control over front-end technologies and reduce dependence on external vendors. Wix aims to leverage its new in-house capabilities to streamline costs and push the boundaries of digital creativity. By acquiring Hour One and its talented team, Wix not only enhances its technological ecosystem but also fortifies its commitment to elevating experiences for creators and businesses alike.
Dr. Oren Aharon, Co-founder and CEO of Hour One, echoed the sentiments of excitement, stating, “Joining Wix is a natural next step in our journey. From day one, we’ve been driven by the vision of making high-quality media creation accessible and scalable through AI.” Aharon expressed optimism about the partnership, noting that Wix’s global reach and commitment to innovation present a perfect environment for amplifying the impact of Hour One’s technology.
The addition of the Hour One team, led by its founders, including Aharon, Lior Hakim, and Arnon Kahani, brings years of expertise in generative AI and media infrastructure to Wix’s headquarters. Their shared ambition to reshape the possibilities of technology aligns seamlessly with Wix’s overarching goals, setting the stage for groundbreaking developments in the realm of web design and content creation.
About Wix.com Ltd.
Wix is renowned as the leading SaaS website builder platform, enabling users to create, manage, and grow their digital presence. Established in 2006, Wix has evolved into a comprehensive platform that caters to self-creators, agencies, and enterprises alike, offering an array of functionalities including industry-leading performance, security, and AI capabilities. Users can take ownership of their brand, data, and customer relationships through Wix’s extensive range of tools—including advanced SEO and marketing solutions.
With a steadfast commitment to continuous innovation, Wix empowers users to design compelling and powerful digital experiences. As the platform expands its capabilities with the integration of Hour One’s technology, the future appears brimming with possibilities for creators seeking to push the boundaries of what’s achievable in digital media.
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1 Based on number of active live sites as reported by competitors’ figures, independent third-party data, and internal data as of H1 2024.