Themeum Acquires Kirki Customizer Framework Plugin – WP Tavern
Themeum, a WordPress theme and plugin firm based in 2013, has acquired the Kirki Customizer Framework plugin from its former developer, David Vongries. In April 2023, Vongries announced he was sunsetting the product and discontinuing improvement. He put the plugin up on the market for $30K and bought it for slightly below the asking worth.
“I met the Themeum staff at WordCamp Europe in 2019 and have fond recollections of our encounter,” Vongries mentioned. “They reached out to me instantly after the weblog put up was revealed on the Tavern, the place I expressed my seek for a brand new residence for Kirki.
“Themeum is a serious participant within the WordPress world and I actually consider they’ll be a incredible match for Kirki. They’ve the assets to take the plugin to the following stage and provides it the eye it deserves.”
Rayhan Arif, Assistant Vice President of Enterprise Growth at Themeum, is anticipating the Kirki plugin to come back beneath the profile of Themeum on WordPress org shortly. Themeum is the corporate behind Tutor LMS, Qubely – Advanced Gutenberg Blocks, and almost a dozen different smaller plugins.
“Since 2012, we’ve got been deeply concerned in creating the same product on one other platform,” Arif mentioned. “Our previous experiences have geared up us with the mandatory abilities and data that we consider will tremendously improve the worth of this plugin. With this enchancment, builders will discover it simpler so as to add customization choices to their WordPress themes. In a way, this looks like a homecoming product for us.”
Vongries reported that assist on the plugin was “principally zero,” regardless of there being greater than 600,000 energetic installs. This is sensible as it’s a framework geared in the direction of builders. Nearly all of the plugin’s customers have put in the free model from WordPress.org.
“There are solely a hand filled with Kirki PRO clients,” Vongries mentioned, though some had grown unhappy with Kirki’s lack of development earlier than the acquisition.
Themeum doesn’t have any block-based theme merchandise right now, so this Customizer-dependent plugin matches in with the corporate’s catalog.
“Our preliminary focus can be on enhancing the plugin, after which we are going to undoubtedly proceed with integrating it into our themes,” Arif mentioned.
“We’re contemplating guaranteeing changes to our pricing or enterprise mannequin, all with the intention of benefiting each present and future clients. For instance, we would considerably lower the worth.”
Current customers could also be involved concerning the product altering arms, however Arif mentioned it’s unlikely they may expertise vital modifications.
“The acquisition is unlikely to result in any unfavourable implications for customers,” he mentioned. “The one perceptible change can be that product upkeep will now be dealt with by an expert staff, well-versed in know-how and carrying a wealth of expertise.”
