Emergent, a startup that enables non-technical users to create apps using AI prompts, has raised $23 million in Series A funding led by Lightspeed. The platform simplifies app creation, management, and deployment, aiming to democratize app development and compete with other vibe coding solutions. Since its launch, over 1.5 million apps have been built, and the company plans to expand its features, including native mobile app building and improved discovery and monetization options.
Google Jules 2.0 is an advanced AI coding assistant built on the Gemini 2.5 Pro engine, offering features like code critique, automated testing, GitHub integration, and natural language task execution. It aims to streamline development workflows, reduce coding friction, and is accessible through a free tier with premium plans for advanced features, making it suitable for developers of all skill levels.
Advancements in AI and no-code platforms like Zapier, Replit, and Cursor 1.2 enable users to create AI-powered 'employees' that automate tasks such as customer engagement and app development in just five minutes, making AI accessible to non-technical users and transforming workflows.
Vibe coding is a new process that enables non-technical people to generate software instantly from prompts, using platforms like Replit, Lovable, Cursor, and Google Firebase, transforming teams into creators and accelerating innovation. While it is effective for rapid prototyping and simple tasks, experts advise careful iteration and validation for complex or high-stakes projects.
Companies are developing no-code solutions to help individuals build AI tools without the need for coding knowledge. Lobe, a free app owned by Microsoft, allows users to train machine learning models to recognize specific objects or behaviors using a laptop and webcam. Juji Studio offers a user-friendly platform for building AI chatbots without coding, allowing customization of the chatbot's personality and Q&A capabilities. Akkio enables users to build AI models from their business data, pulling information from various sources and providing guidance on feature selection and model evaluation. Bubble, a popular no-code tool, integrates with AI applications such as OpenAI's ChatGPT and allows users to create AI programs without coding knowledge.
Microsoft has invested in Builder.ai, a London-based startup that helps companies create applications without any coding experience. The software allows anyone from tech-shy artists to design professionals with limited programming experience to develop and manage apps. Through a strategic partnership, Microsoft plans to integrate Builder.ai's AI assistant Natasha into its Teams video and chat software to let customers build business apps within the platform. The collaboration will give Builder.ai and its clients access to Microsoft's Azure suite of cloud tools, including a set of AI services it offers through a tie-up with U.S. startup OpenAI.
