Build Your MVP with No-Code Tools: Top Picks for Non-Technical Founders

SDS 015: Clarifying No-code Tools

Hey! thank you for reading issue 015 of Startup Definition Sunday (SDS).

SDS is the newsletter for founders, bringing you clarity one actionable tip at a time.

SDS arrives every two weeks (you guessed it) on Sundays.

In every issue you can expect:

• 1 Definition of startup jargon

• 1 actionable tip you can implement right away

• 1 article on Africa tech that you should read

• 1 gift for founders

Let's dive in:

(P.S. I'll never sell your information, ever)

Hi - It's always such a pleasure to share each issue with you! If you missed the last issue, you can check it out here.

Before we dive into today's issue, Marge and I started something we think could be useful for founders - bi-weekly office hours to practice your 5-minute pitch.

If you missed the most recent recorded session, you can catch the recording here.

We are on a break till the start of Q3 but you can register here to be the first to know when we begin Q3 sessions.

Let's dive into today's issue.

Marge and I had this great exchange on twitter that inspired today’s issue.

Not every founder is a technical founder who can code to build their MVP. For non-technical founders, the idea of building an MVP can be stressful.

But, there are other options available. In this issue, we'll explore the benefits of no-code tools and provide actionable tips on which tools to use to build your MVP.

What is a no-code tool?

No-code tool: a software platform or application that allows users to create, launch, or manage digital products without the need for extensive coding or programming knowledge.

Benefits of No-Code Tools

No-code tools provide faster development and increased accessibility, allowing early-stage founders to build their MVP more quickly without first finding a technical co-founder.

Additionally, no-code tools are cost-effective, customizable, and scalable.

Top No-Code Tools for Non-Technical Founders:

Depending on your startup idea, here are five no-code tools that are perfect for non-technical founders:

1. Carrd: A simple, no-code website builder that enables users to create responsive, one-page websites quickly and easily. Plus, Carrd's core features are free for up to three accounts.

2. Adalo: A platform for creating mobile apps without coding, featuring a user-friendly interface and pre-built templates. Adalo has a free tier for one editor, which is perfect for non-technical founders.

3. Bubble.io: A visual app builder that enables users to create web apps using a drag-and-drop interface. Bubble's free tier is perfect for MVP building by one editor.

4. Zapier: A tool for automating workflows between different software applications, making it easier for startups to integrate and manage various tools and processes. Zapier's free tier is limited in scope, so founders will likely need a subscription.

5. Airtable: A flexible, spreadsheet-like database that can be used for project management, data organization, and collaboration without any coding knowledge. Airtable's free tier is broad in scope, making it useful for building MVP databases. I used airtable and zapier in building my own MVP for founders here.  

No-code tools provide non-technical founders with a way to build their MVPs quickly and cost-effectively. Whether you choose Carrd.io, Adalo, Bubble.io, Zapier, Airtable, or another no-code tool, the key is to start building and testing your MVP as soon as possible.

If all else fails, Google’s suite of products are a great place to start. Last week, I chatted with a founder who built her MVP and ran her startup using google sheets. Now that I have given you a fallback plan, if you build your MVP with any of my recommendations, let me know - I’d love to test it.

If you have learned something valuable today, consider joining SDS so you don't miss future editions.

If you only read one thing this week, read this...

I have written a lot recently (here, here and here) about VC returns or the lack thereof. This article does a great job of pulling back the curtain on the outsized returns VCs claim.

Here's why you should read it (even if you are not an investor): There has been much excitement about VC as a source of somewhat extraordinary returns. However, the data report a much humbler picture. VC investments did well in the 1990s, but have been rather disappointing in the following decade.

Where does this leave founders in Africa & the prospects of future fundraises? We might need a fortune teller for that.

Founder's Corner

As an investor, I understand that it can be difficult for founders to get on angel investors' radar, especially without the right networks.

That's why I built an inbound form to allow founders to share their decks directly with me. It takes less than 5 minutes to complete. By breaking the mold and providing an alternative way for founders to connect with investors, I hope to help level the playing field.

Thank you for reading to the end of issue 015.

Until we meet again in two weeks, here's how we can stay in touch:

• 🐦 Find me on Twitter

• 💬 Hit me up on Linkedin

• 💌 Email me

• 🚀 Sponsor SDS (Reply to this email)

Let's chat again in two weeks,

Jasiel

P.S I am revamping my newsletters referral program after some helpful feedback from readers. I need your help on this:

What makes you excited to refer a newsletter to your friends & family?