Payload
The TypeScript-first headless CMS.
About Payload
Open-source CMS built on Node, Express, MongoDB. Treats content modeling as code. Acquired by Figma in 2025.
Pitch deck breakdown
How Payload would pitch themselves.
Target customer
Developers + open-source communities + enterprises wanting an OSS-first tool in this category, with optional commercial support.
Problem they solve
Open-source CMS built on Node, Express, MongoDB. Treats content modeling as code. Acquired by Figma in 2025. The category has historically been served by tools that miss the modern workflow this product is built around.
Key differentiator
Payload differentiates on the typescript-first headless cms. Backed by Figma — the company has resources + validation to compound this thesis. Founded by James Mikrut.
Go-to-market strategy
Combined sales + product-led growth approach typical for Open Source companies at this stage — direct sales for higher-ACV deals, self-serve for SMB adoption, and content + community for top-of-funnel.
Company facts
- Category
- Open Source
- Funding stage
- Acquired 2025
- Total raised
- Acquired (Figma)
- Founded
- 2018
- Team size
- 11-50
- HQ
- Richmond
- Country
- United States
- Website
- payloadcms.com
Founders of Payload
- James Mikrut
Investors backing Payload
- Figma
Frequently asked questions
What does Payload do?
Open-source CMS built on Node, Express, MongoDB. Treats content modeling as code. Acquired by Figma in 2025.
Where is Payload based?
Payload is based in Richmond, United States.
When was Payload founded?
Payload was founded in 2018.
How much has Payload raised?
Payload has raised Acquired (Figma) in their Acquired 2025 round.
Who founded Payload?
Payload was founded by James Mikrut.
Who has invested in Payload?
Payload is backed by Figma.