Vibe code vs no-code: Softr’s vision for the future of app building - The SaaS Revolution Show Recap

Podcast: The SaaS Revolution Show

Published: 2025-10-23

Duration: 12 min

Summary

In this episode, Mariam Hakobian, CEO of Softr, discusses the future of app building through no-code platforms and emphasizes the integration of AI to enhance user experience. She highlights how Softr focuses on solving fundamental business problems while making app development accessible for non-technical users.

What Happened

Alex Deamer hosts Mariam Hakobian at SaaS Talk Europe 2025, where she shares insights into Softr, a no-code platform designed for businesses to create internal tools and applications. Mariam expresses her excitement about the conference and discusses how Softr enables users to build everything from inventory management systems to customer portals without needing coding skills. She notes that the platform has seen significant growth, boasting over 1 million non-technical builders who are solving real business challenges.

Mariam elaborates on Softr's philosophy, stating that the combination of AI and no-code represents the next stage in software development. She believes that while AI is not teaching users how to code, it enhances the no-code experience by making it smarter and more personalized. This integration allows for the rapid and efficient creation of production-ready applications tailored to specific business needs. Mariam also addresses the challenges posed by vibe coding platforms, explaining that while they make it easy to create simple applications, they often lead to complications over time, especially for non-technical users. This is where Softr differentiates itself by focusing on complex business applications while abstracting away the technical challenges involved in building software.

Key Insights

Key Questions Answered

What is Softr and how does it work?

Softr is a no-code platform aimed at businesses, allowing users to create internal tools and applications without needing coding skills. It enables the development of various apps, including inventory management systems, customer portals, and employee intranets, making it accessible for non-technical users to solve complex business problems.

How has AI influenced Softr's development?

Mariam emphasizes that AI serves as the next level of abstraction in app building, accelerating Softr's mission. AI enriches the no-code experience, enabling users to create more personalized and intelligent applications, thereby enhancing the overall usability and functionality of the platform.

What challenges do vibe coding platforms face?

Mariam points out that while vibe coding platforms allow for quick and easy app creation, they often lead to complications as applications grow in complexity. This can create difficulties for non-technical users, underscoring the importance of robust no-code platforms like Softr that cater specifically to business needs.

What strategies has Softr used to grow its user base?

Since its launch, Softr has grown organically through word of mouth, community engagement, and SEO. Users often discover the platform while searching for solutions to specific niche problems, leading them to the hundreds of templates available that address various business needs.

How does Mariam view the future of founder-led marketing?

Mariam acknowledges that while she hasn't focused heavily on founder-led marketing, she sees it as a vital area for growth. She believes sharing authentic learnings from their experiences in building products can be beneficial for other founders and is an effective marketing strategy.