In this episode of WP Legends, we sit down with Ionut Neagu, founder of Themeisle, CodeinWP, and Vertigo Studio. From building one of the most popular WordPress themes of all time to scaling a global team and experimenting with acquisitions, Ionut shares his journey of growth, transparency, and adapting to the evolving WordPress ecosystem.
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Early Days & Building Themeisle
Ionut’s journey into WordPress began with curiosity and experimentation. What started as small projects soon evolved into creating themes that solved real-world needs. With the launch of Zerif (later renamed Neve), Themeisle quickly rose to prominence, serving millions of downloads and becoming one of the most recognized names in the WordPress themes space.
CodeinWP: Content-Driven Growth
Alongside Themeisle, Ionut launched CodeinWP, a blog that grew into one of the most influential content hubs in the WordPress community. By publishing in-depth tutorials, comparisons, and insights, the site not only attracted millions of readers but also reinforced the brand’s authority in the WordPress ecosystem.
Zerif & The Power of First Impressions
One of Ionut’s boldest product decisions came with Zerif, a theme built for business presentation websites. Instead of sticking to WordPress’s default blog-first layout, Ionut made a deliberate choice to display a ready-made homepage upon activation. This simple change aligned perfectly with what users wanted—a business-ready site instantly—and became a key factor in Zerif’s massive adoption.
Transparency & Community Connection
Ionut is known for running his businesses with a high level of transparency. From sharing revenue numbers to openly discussing challenges, he has fostered trust with both his users and the WordPress community. This transparency has helped attract loyal followers and partners who resonate with his honest approach.
Scaling & New Ventures
As Themeisle and CodeinWP matured, Ionut expanded into new ventures through Vertigo Studio, experimenting with acquisitions and new product opportunities. His focus has been on sustainable growth, learning from past experiences, and building tools that deliver long-term value.
The Future of WordPress: AI, Builders & Beyond
Ionut also shares his thoughts on the future of WordPress in an era dominated by AI, site builders like Elementor and Gutenberg, and shifting user expectations. He believes the key lies in simplicity, speed, and delivering tangible value, whether through themes, plugins, or entirely new product categories.
Lessons, Growth & The Road Ahead
From launching one of the most popular themes in WordPress history to running multiple successful businesses, Ionut’s journey highlights the power of bold decisions, transparency, and staying close to user needs. Looking ahead, he sees exciting opportunities in blending content, products, and new technologies to keep pushing WordPress forward.
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