Jun 26, 2025

Top 5 Low-Code Tools Startups Must Know in 2025 Starting a startup in 2025 is akin to running a marathon on a treadmill that keeps accelerating. You need to move quickly, but every action must be purposeful because resources are limited, timelines are short, and expectations are higher than ever. That’s why more founders and product teams are embracing a quiet revolution: low-code development. Low-code tools empower early-stage startups by enabling them to launch minimum viable products (MVPs) without relying on developer sprints. They allow teams to automate workflows without needing an engineer available and facilitate testing and learning before their runway runs out. However, low-code isn’t just about avoiding writing code; it’s about eliminating waste, reducing wait times, avoiding unnecessary rebuilds, and focusing on what truly drives progress. In this guide, we will highlight five low-code tools that startups should know about, not because they are trendy, but because they address real problems faced by teams under pressure. What Is Low-Code, Really? Low-code platforms provide pre-built logic, components, and integrations that allow you to build applications and workflows with minimal or, in some cases, no coding required. However, it’s important not to confuse simplicity with ineffectiveness. Low-code is not just a tool for non-technical individuals seeking to feel productive. It represents a significant advantage for teams aiming to work more efficiently, learn rapidly, and avoid unnecessary duplication of existing solutions. In today’s fast-paced environment, this advantage can be the deciding factor between a company’s success and its failure. Why Startups Are Embracing Low-Code Solutions You Need To Move Before You’re Ready: In today’s fast-paced environment, startups need to act quickly, often before they feel fully prepared. Customers are not willing to wait for you to finalise your plans. You Don’t Have a Dev Team: Many startups don’t have a development team readily available, and even if they do, their skills are better utilised focusing on core logic rather than routine tasks. You’re Still Validating: As you work on validating your idea, remember that your initial solution isn’t necessarily the final product. Therefore, it doesn’t make sense to hard-code features that may change. You Can’t Afford Technical Debt: Additionally, avoiding technical debt is crucial, especially when this debt arises from writing full-stack code for problems that already have low-code solutions available. Low-code platforms enable you to test, build, and iterate on your ideas without needing prior approval. Below are the top 5 low-code platforms in use today, each one battle-tested and trending in 2025. 1. Bubble – Visual Web App Builder for Full-Stack Founders Bubble is the preferred visual app builder for founders and creators who have some development experience. It offers a no-code solution while providing total control, and with recent AI enhancements, Bubble is expanding its capabilities even more. Why do startups choose Bubble? It allows them to quickly launch full-stack minimum viable products (MVPs) that include user authentication, database logic, and various integrations. This speed is crucial for survival in today’s fast-paced market. Check out a tutorial below that guides you through the basics of Bubble. You will learn how to create stunning layouts, implement CRUD functionality, and integrate plugins for community and payment features. 2. Mendex — Best for Agile Siemens’ ecosystem is leveraging Mendix , which offers robust solutions for global enterprises. Mendix provides two integrated development environments (IDEs), one designed for non-coders and another for developers. It also includes features for AI-assisted development and supports multi-cloud deployment. Why do startups choose Mendix? Because it allows them to quickly access enterprise-grade features. Think of capabilities like offline mobile experiences, advanced security, and team-wide collaboration—all achievable without needing a full development team. 3. Microsoft Power Apps If your business already operates within Office 365 and Azure, Power Apps is your go-to solution for low-code development. With Power Automate and AI Builder, you can easily create smart apps and workflows within your digital ecosystem. Why Startups Use It: There’s no learning curve for businesses already using Microsoft products. You can build apps, automate processes, and stay within the familiar environment you’re accustomed to. 4. OutSystems OutSystems combines design and DevOps for developing applications. It is especially popular for creating UI/UX-centric, full-stack applications, featuring built-in DevSecOps pipelines, versioning, and deployment controls. Why startups use it: Startups prefer it because it provides a production-grade frontend with a secure and scalable backend, eliminating the need to wait for engineering roadmaps. 5. Appian — Best case management features Appian focuses on scalable process automation, incorporating workflow and RPA capabilities. It excels in regulated industries and also supports native mobile applications. Why do startups use it? Startups turn to Appian for efficient management of workflows, compliance, and multi-step processes. The Key Takeaway: Low-Code is a Powerful Tool This approach isn’t about taking shortcuts; it’s about making strategic choices regarding what to build and recognising what has already been effectively developed. Using low-code doesn’t eliminate the need for engineers. Instead, it allows them to focus on more complex challenges rather than spending time on mundane tasks, like creating basic CRUD applications or putting together admin tools. Their expertise is better directed toward building innovative solutions that differentiate your business. For everything else, low-code offers a solution. For startups aiming to achieve more with limited resources, this capability is not just beneficial; it is essential. Related