Automattic launches Spacefast to deploy vibe-coded apps

From hackathon project to product

The product is led by Batuhan İçöz, who started it during an Automattic hackathon sprint while working on the Beeper messaging app. He noticed that non-technical friends experimenting with vibe coding kept sending him Vercel links, and wanted an easier way to deploy. The project began as Stattic before becoming Spacefast. Automattic soft-launched it in September; early users have built internal mockups, slideshows and offer pages.

İçöz argues the edge over Lovable is freedom to choose your own agent, though some users may prefer having everything decided for them. Automattic also plans to add web analytics, WordPress integration and WooCommerce e-commerce features, and pitches enterprises struggling with IT sprawl as marketing teams generate landing pages on separate services. Tools from Figma, Canva and Notion also sit in this space.

Retention and a shifting web

İçöz expects heavy churn, since many users may not be interested in building apps at all. His answer is to make results clearly better than without Spacefast. He also acknowledged that people now build sites with ChatGPT or Claude instead of WordPress, and said some sites will not need a content management system.

The launch comes during a turbulent period for Automattic. The board briefly forced out CEO Matt Mullenweg, who regained control within days; the rebel board was replaced and the interim CFO left within weeks. Layoffs began across several properties in October, with more cuts expected.