BS
Brent Simmons
United States
Veteran Mac developer who created NetNewsWire and MarsEdit
NetNewsWire, MarsEdit, Vesper
exit story · 2007 · mac & desktop app makers
How Brent Simmons Sold MarsEdit to Red Sweater Software (2007)
MarsEdit was built by Brent Simmons and sold to Red Sweater Software in 2007.
Key facts
- Year
- 2007
- Price
- Undisclosed
- Revenue at sale
- —
- Years operated
- 3 years
- Channel
- Direct sale
The story of MarsEdit
MarsEdit is a Mac blog editor that Brent Simmons created at Ranchero Software as a companion to his RSS reader NetNewsWire. It started out as a free add-on for registered NetNewsWire users. NewsGator bought NetNewsWire in 2005 and hired Simmons, and MarsEdit later came under NewsGator's ownership as well.
In early 2007 Simmons asked Daniel Jalkut of Red Sweater Software, a longtime MarsEdit user, whether he would be interested in taking the app over. Jalkut contacted NewsGator, the terms were settled within a few weeks, and the acquisition was announced on February 22, 2007. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Jalkut promised existing registered users free upgrades through the 1.x series. Red Sweater has developed MarsEdit ever since, adding Flickr and Tumblr support and reworking the editor.
The maker
See the MarsEdit product page or Brent Simmons's full profile for everything they have built since.
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Sources
- macworld.com — macworld.com/article/183644/marsedit-2.html
- redsweater.com — redsweater.com/blog/743/two-years-on-mars
- tidbits.com — tidbits.com/2005/10/10/newsgator-acquires-netnewswire/
Facts are taken from the maker's and buyer's public statements and press coverage. Prices and revenue are shown only when publicly stated; self-reported figures are not independently verified.
Keep exploring
MarsEdit acquisition FAQ
Who bought MarsEdit?
MarsEdit was acquired by Red Sweater Software in 2007 from Brent Simmons.
How much did MarsEdit sell for?
The price was not publicly disclosed.
How long did it take MarsEdit to get acquired?
MarsEdit was sold about 3 years after launch, through a direct sale (sold directly to a buyer, often a competitor, customer or acquirer that reached out).