As I sit down to write this, I can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia wash over me. I’m Sara Stamas, VP of Marketing at GitKraken, and I’ve had the incredible privilege of being part of this company for over a decade (yes, before GitKraken was even a twinkle in an Axosoft developer’s eye).

Today, as we celebrate our 10th birthday, I want to take a moment to reflect on the wild, wonderful ride that brought us here, from a scrappy 30-day project to a global force in developer experience.

It all started back in 2015, when GitKraken was born out of a bold idea and a tight deadline. I remember those early days vividly, a small team pouring heart and soul into creating a cross-platform Git GUI that didn’t suck.

We had no idea then that this little project would grow into something so much bigger. That same year, our beloved mascot, Keif the Kraken, came to life, embodying the playful, tenacious spirit that still defines us today.

Just a year later, in 2016, we took a big leap by monetizing GitKraken Desktop and introducing GitKraken Pro. But what I’m most proud of from that time is how we gave back, donating our first month’s revenue to the Nightscout Foundation to support diabetes management technology. 

That same year, we became an initial partner in the GitHub Student Developer Pack, helping students around the world access our tools for free. These moments weren’t just business decisions; they were a reflection of our commitment to community, something that’s been in our DNA from the start.

What started as a side project had officially become one of the most beloved Git tools in the industry. This growth wasn’t fueled by flashy marketing or massive budgets, it was word of mouth from devs who appreciated a tool that actually made Git easier. Seeing developers around the world adopt GitKraken as their daily driver was a turning point, one that proved we were solving real problems in a way that resonated.

Fast forward to 2020, we reached an exciting inflection point when Resurgens Technology Partners, a leading software-focused private equity firm, made a strategic equity investment in Axosoft. That partnership fueled our momentum and propelled us into an exciting new era of growth and innovation.

As we found our footing, 2021 became a defining chapter in our story. We officially rebranded from Axosoft to GitKraken, embracing a name that perfectly reflected our vision and spirit. That same year, we welcomed Matt Johnston as our new CEO, bringing fresh leadership to guide us boldly into the future.

That year, we also acquired Git Integration for Jira and GitLens, expanding our reach and capabilities. Not only did we acquire tech, but we also brought on global talent and visionaries like Eric Amodio, our CTO, and inspirational leaders, like Adam Wride, our CPO. 

Suddenly, we were growing into a globally distributed team, expanding our experience and knowledge exponentially. I’ll never forget the energy in the air during those transitions—nervous excitement mixed with a fierce determination to keep pushing boundaries.

Our community has continued to grow in ways I couldn’t have imagined. From launching GitKon in 2021, which drew nearly 40,000 registrants by 2023, to introducing our Ambassador Program in 2019 with over 70 members across more than 60 countries, we’ve built a global network of developers and advocates. 

We even launched the Foundations of Git Certification Course in 2022, empowering countless individuals to master Git with confidence.

The past couple of years have been a whirlwind of innovation. In 2024, we acquired CodeSee and launched our DevEx Platform, alongside the DevEx Advance Partner Program, to elevate the developer experience like never before. 

And just this year, in 2025, we accelerated progress on built-in AI features and released our CLI and MCP Server, a testament to our relentless drive to solve real problems for developers. 

It’s not only the growth and success that has kept me strapped into this rocketship, it’s the Krakeneers who have taught me so much along the way, celebrating personal and professional milestones together. Our Great Place to Work certifications from 2023 to 2025 remind me every day that our culture—our people—are the heart of everything we do.

Looking back over this decade, I’m struck by how much has changed, yet how much has stayed the same. We’re still that passionate team from 2015, dreaming big and working hard to make developers’ lives better. But now, we’re doing it on a scale I could only have imagined back then, with a community that spans the globe and a platform of tools that continues to evolve.

From our Founder, Hamid Shojaee, to every developer, partner, ambassador, and Krakeneer who’s been part of this journey—thank you. You’ve made GitKraken what it is today.

Here’s to the next 10 years of breaking barriers, building connections, and, of course, staying legendary.