Figma, a web-based design tool founded by Dylan Field and Evan Wallace, went public with a $68 billion valuation, marking the largest U.S. tech IPO in four years and a significant milestone for the company, which was initially backed by early investments from notable venture capital firms and Peter Thiel. The company, which had previously been valued at $10 billion in 2021, saw its stock surge 250% on debut, reflecting strong investor interest and its growing dominance in the design software market, with 95% of Fortune 500 companies using its platform.
Synopsys has announced its plans to acquire Ansys in a $35 billion deal, aiming to expand its footprint in the lucrative market for simulation and modeling software used in designing semiconductors and electronic systems. The acquisition is expected to create a powerhouse in the electronic design automation industry, combining Synopsys' expertise in chip design with Ansys' strength in simulation technology.
Design software company Figma has collaborated with Work Louder to launch the Figma Creator Micro, a dedicated macro pad equipped with 12 keys and two dials for quick access to commonly used Figma tools and shortcuts. Priced at $139, the Creator Micro comes preconfigured with important Figma shortcuts and can be further customized using keyboard customization software VIA. While designed for Figma, it can also be customized to work with other software. The macro pad includes Figma-branded keycaps and aims to promote the use of macro pads for design software.
Canva, the Australian design software startup, has announced a range of AI features under the 'Magic' name, including Magic Design, Magic Presentation, and Magic Write. The company's AI software can identify places in images to add or remove elements with a couple of clicks, as well as for translation into additional languages. Canva's new tools make it easier for companies to set their preferred colors, fonts, and other controls. The company has more than 125 million monthly users, and its annualized revenue stands at $1.6 billion.
