Karyne Levy, deputy managing editor of TechCrunch, recently discussed that incredible metamorphosis at Replit. She explained her thinking in a wide-ranging conversation with Connie Loizos and Alex Gove on the podcast StrictlyVC Download. The episode released just days after Replit raised an eye-popping $250 million in new Series C funding. This investment increased its valuation to an incredible $3 billion. This focused financial raise is a watershed moment for Replit’s growth. The company is clearly making a pivot to serve a much wider audience beyond just the pro developer.
Levy, who is now based outside San Francisco, has deep roots in the tech journalism field. Prior to coming to TechCrunch, she served as deputy managing editor at Protocol. In that capacity, she finessed management of a rapidly hustling newsroom with over 40 editorial staff. Her past experience both in managing editorial teams and covering emerging technology trends makes her a credible voice in today’s noisy industry landscape.
In her fireside chat with Masad, founder and CEO of Replit, Levy explored the company’s shifting vision. She emphasized how much Replit has shifted toward the adult, larger market around that, of trying to appeal to users that are not just professional developers. Expanding to reach and engage more users. This transition is intended to expand their user base and improve engagement via new, easy-to-use coding tools.
Adding context to this inspirational discussion were reflections on Replit’s recent $177 Million funding success and what it means towards continued outward growth. That investment, Levy said, would allow the rapidly-growing Replit to deepen their offerings and go to market with a broader audience. This matches up with the company’s broader mission to make programming easily accessible to all novices and techies, thus democratizing coding.
Look for the podcast every Tuesday on StrictlyVC Download. It has continued to made waves for its unique deep dive analysis on the most impactful trends and developments shaping the technology industry. Levy’s insights are particularly valuable given her experience and the timely context of Replit’s funding announcement.