Appcelerator acquires HTML5 platform company Particle Code

HTML5 development platform-maker Particle Code has been
acquired by Appecelerator for an undisclosed sum, the company announced Monday. The deal brings together the business side of the house, as well as deep tech, says Particle Code chief executive officer Galia Benartzi.

Particle Code, which was a DEMO 2010 DEMOgod winner, allows developers to create a unified web experience across devices. Appcelerator is known for its Titanium tool, which is used by clients such as NBC, Zipcar, eBay and others, to power their mobile apps.

“The real story here is they were weak where we were strong, and they were strong where we were weak, so it’s a really good match,” says Benartzi.

The Particle Code-Appcelerator tie-up is happening amidst a flurry of activity on the HTML5 platform development platform front. Today, Sencha announced a $15 million investment round to boost its platform, which creates native app functionality on mobile devices such as the iPad.

“It’s a really interesting time, and I’m glad we’re part of that story, and the excitement in that space,” says Benartzi. Particle Code was launched at DEMO 2010, and Benartzi says after a transition period with Appcelerator, she’s probably going to launch her third startup, “If she can help it.”

Particle Code had previously received $3 million from Benhamou Global Ventures.