Figma’s Dylan Field on the Adobe deal collapse and APAC expansion plans
As Figma launches its first Australian office, founder Dylan Field spoke to Capital Brief about navigating turbulent waters after Adobe’s acquisition bid sank.
For Figma founder Dylan Field, 2024 began on an unexpected note. While most were celebrating the silly season in December 2023, regulatory hurdles forced Adobe to abandon its USD20 billion ($30.7 billion) acquisition of Field's design software company.
"It was obviously a very stressful time for me, and for the team, in terms of having this ambiguity of not knowing what our future is going to be," Field said of the year Figma spent in limbo as UK and European regulators challenged the acquisition. "What do you do? You make plans in the case where it doesn't happen.
"And thank God we did."
Now back in growth mode, those contingency plans evidently included an expanded presence in APAC. Earlier this month, Figma — last valued at USD12.5 billion — opened its first office in Australia. Starting with fewer than 10 employees drawn from companies like SafetyCulture, Salesforce, and Canva, the team is set to grow.
"We've wanted to be in Australia for a long time," he said, explaining Figma already has local customers including Commonwealth Bank and Telstra. "I don't have to tell you, but the talent in Australia is incredible, and there are unfortunately very few companies that get to tap into that talent. If we're able to add ourselves to the mix, lucky us."
