The Commodore brand carries a rich legacy and a devoted community that has never truly let go. What began as a line of home computers evolved into something far greater than anyone could have anticipated.
Over the years, the brand changed ownership numerous times—often to the frustration of its fans. Some attempted to revive it, while others released odd products like the Commodore shredder and music player. Many simply let the name languish in a trademark portfolio.
Yet through it all, the community held firm. Enthusiasts continued to breathe life into the brand by restoring vintage systems, creating replicas, developing new software, and sharing their expertise.
Now, after all this time, it finally feels like Commodore has found the right stewards.
Now operating as Commodore International Corporation, the brand has recently seen a shift in leadership and ownership. Key figures from Commodore’s past, including Albert Charpentier, Bil Herd, and others, have joined the effort, alongside cofounders Christian Simpson (of YouTube’s Retro Recipes) and Sean Donohue.
While the acquisition deal to take over Commodore from its previous owners is reportedly valued in the low seven figures, it has not yet been finalized. Due to legal constraints—specifically the SEC’s Rule 506(c)—public investment is currently limited. To navigate this, the team is using Y Combinator’s SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) model as they pursue funding from angel investors.
In parallel, they’re exploring ways to enable broader community investment, with the goal of offering fans and supporters an opportunity for ownership in the near future.
The phrase you see above is Commodore’s new motto—one that, in my opinion, perfectly reflects their dedication to honoring the brand’s legacy. They’ve already launched three Commodore 64 Ultimate models for sale, each inspired by the classic C64 design.
Article from Commodore is Back from the Dead!
The three available variants include the BASIC Beige, which stays true to the original C64 aesthetic, pairing classic beige styling with updated internal hardware. The Starlight Edition features a modern, transparent shell with integrated RGB lighting for a sleek, futuristic look. Lastly, the Founders Edition is a limited-run collector’s model created for early supporters, distinguished by gold-plated badging, a unique serial number (00000001), and additional premium details that highlight its exclusivity.
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