How I Built This with Guy Raz: Figma – Dylan Field

Release Date: June 16, 2025

In this captivating episode of How I Built This, host Guy Raz delves into the entrepreneurial journey of Dylan Field, the co-founder and CEO of Figma, a revolutionary design collaboration platform now valued in the billions. Raz uncovers the inception, challenges, and triumphs that shaped Figma into an indispensable tool for designers worldwide.

Early Life and Foundations

Sonoma County Roots

Dylan Field grew up in Sonoma County, California, during the late 1990s and early 2000s. A prodigious talent in mathematics and computers from a young age, Dylan also dabbled in acting, securing roles in commercials and community theater. This blend of analytical prowess and creative expression laid the groundwork for his future endeavors.

Evan Wallace (Dylan's College Friend): “I think someone referred me to an agent... I got pulled in for a Windows XP commercial... It was a fun chain of events that led to that one.”
[05:03]

Academic Pursuits

Dylan pursued higher education at Brown University, initially focusing on computer science and mathematics. However, his interests gradually shifted towards design and art history, influenced by his internships and interactions with seasoned designers.

Dylan Field: “There’s something amazing about being part of the design process.”
[33:33]

The Birth of Figma

Inspiration and the Thiel Fellowship

Inspired by the inefficiencies in real-time design collaboration prevalent in 2012, Dylan and his friend Evan Wallace conceptualized Figma. Recognizing the potential for a browser-based design tool, Dylan secured a Thiel Fellowship at 19, allowing him to drop out of college and focus on his startup.

Evan Wallace: “We kept talking about ideas to prototype... exploring tools to democratize design.”
[16:52]

Seed Funding and Early Development

With a seed round of nearly $4 million raised in June 2013, Dylan and Evan embarked on building Figma. The early years were marked by intense development, team expansion, and refining the product based on user feedback.

Evan Wallace: “We had almost $4 million to work with, which was a pretty good Runway.”
[37:21]

Challenges and Growth

Initial Launch and Mixed Reception

Figma's initial launch in October 2016 garnered mixed reviews. While some designers embraced the collaborative approach, others were skeptical, accustomed to solitary design processes.

Evan Wallace: “A lot of designers at that point were coming from an agency culture... initial comments were stuff like, if this is the future of design, I'm changing careers.”
[49:01]

Scaling Amidst Competition

As Figma grew, it faced competition from industry giants like Adobe, which launched Adobe XD in response. Despite these challenges, Figma's commitment to continuous improvement and user-centric features fueled its ascent.

Evan Wallace: “We just continued to push ahead to the things that we thought people really needed.”
[64:19]

Acquisition Attempt and Regulatory Hurdles

Adobe's $20 Billion Offer

In September 2022, Adobe made a landmark offer to acquire Figma for $20 billion. This deal underscored Figma's significance in the design industry and marked a pivotal moment for the company.

Evan Wallace: “The chance to continue our work at Figma there while also rethinking Creative Cloud was exciting.”
[68:28]

Antitrust Investigation and Deal Collapse

Shortly after the announcement, government regulators initiated an antitrust investigation, citing potential anti-competitive implications. Despite initial optimism and a substantial breakup fee agreement, the deal was ultimately blocked in December 2023.

Evan Wallace: “We included a breakup fee as part of the negotiation... I felt like Figma is all about software design development and Adobe was not.”
[70:25]

Navigating the Future

Continued Innovation and AI Integration

Post-acquisition fallout, Figma surged forward, embracing artificial intelligence to enhance its platform. The company's adaptability ensured it remained at the forefront of design technology, catering to an ever-expanding user base.

Evan Wallace: “The value of good design will actually go up even more in this environment.”
[75:32]

Personal Reflections and Resilience

Throughout the journey, Dylan and Evan exemplified resilience, balancing personal challenges with professional aspirations. Evan's departure from Figma to explore open-source projects marked a new chapter, while Dylan steered the company towards IPO considerations shortly after the interview.

Evan Wallace: “I left because I’m somebody that genuinely like, I have so much respect for.”
[76:28]

Key Takeaways and Insights

• Visionary Leadership: Dylan Field's ability to foresee the need for collaborative design tools revolutionized the industry.

• Adaptability: Figma's responsiveness to user feedback and market demands facilitated its rapid growth and sustained relevance.

• Resilience in Adversity: Overcoming regulatory challenges and competitive pressures highlighted the company's steadfast commitment to its mission.

• Future of Design: Embracing AI and fostering a culture of continuous innovation positions Figma to remain a leader in the design space.

Evan Wallace: “Human judgment is essential in navigating design processes, something AI hasn't fully replicated yet.”
[75:32]

Conclusion

Dylan Field's journey with Figma is a testament to visionary thinking, relentless pursuit of innovation, and the ability to navigate complex challenges. Under his leadership, Figma has not only transformed how designers collaborate but has also set new standards in the design-tech landscape. This episode offers invaluable insights into building a tech-driven enterprise that prioritizes user collaboration and design excellence.

Note: All quotes are attributed to respective speakers with their corresponding timestamps for reference.