Revolutionizing App Development: How Non-Coders Can Build Custom Apps
In a world where technology is king, many individuals without coding expertise are embarking on a journey to create their own custom applications. Thanks to innovative tools like vibe coding and platforms such as Lovable, crafting an app no longer requires a background in programming—just a clear idea and plain-language descriptions to turn thoughts into functioning software.
Challenges in Scaling Prototypes to Production
While vibe-coding tools are great for developing prototypes, transitioning these projects to full-scale production can pose significant challenges. This often means tackling the complexities of connecting applications with various external tech services, which handle functionalities like sending SMS, emails, or processing payments through platforms like Stripe. Recently, a reporter faced these hurdles firsthand and discovered how crucial seamless integration is for app success.
Meet Ilan Zerbib: The Visionary Behind Sapiom
Enter Ilan Zerbib, a former director of engineering for payments at Shopify, who is determined to simplify the back-end infrastructure required for non-technical creators. Last summer, Zerbib founded Sapiom, a San Francisco-based startup aimed at developing the financial layer that enables AI agents to securely purchase and access and utilize software, APIs, and data—essentially allowing these intelligent systems to transact as needed.
Streamlining AI Transactions
Every time an AI agent connects with external services like Twilio to send an SMS, it necessitates authentication and a micro-payment. Sapiom’s mission is to streamline this process, enabling AI agents to autonomously determine their purchasing needs without human involvement. As Amit Kumar, a partner at Accel, aptly stated, “In the future, apps are going to consume services which require payments. Right now, there’s no easy way for agents to access all of that.”
A New Era for AI Payments
Kumar, who has engaged with numerous startups in the AI payment sector, emphasizes that Zerbib’s focus on the financial layer for enterprises—rather than individual consumers—is vital for bringing AI agents to fruition. This led Accel to spearhead Sapiom’s $15 million seed funding round, which also saw participation from noteworthy investors like Okta Ventures, Gradient Ventures, and Coinbase Ventures.
Transforming API Calls into Payments
Kumar pointed out an intriguing perspective: “If you really think about it, every API call is a payment. Every time you send a text message, it’s a payment.” This viewpoint underscores the importance of addressing the financial aspects of app development and AI functionality.
Forging Paths for Future AI Agents
Although Sapiom is currently targeting B2B solutions, its technology could eventually pave the way for personal AI agents that manage consumer transactions. The vision is to one day empower individuals to trust these agents with independent financial decisions, such as ordering a ride or shopping online. While this future is promising, Zerbib remains cautious, recognizing that simply having AI won’t inherently lead to increased purchasing behavior. Thus, his focus remains on establishing a resilient financial layer tailored for businesses.
The Future of Vibe Coding with Sapiom
Imagine a scenario where individuals creating vibe-coded apps with SMS functionalities will no longer have to manually register for services like Twilio, input credit card information, or integrate API keys. Instead, Sapiom will handle all of these processes in the background, billing users through platforms like Lovable or Bolt for the services they incorporate within their micro-apps.
Conclusion: A Shift in App Development
As the boundaries of coding blur with emerging tools, Sapiom represents a significant leap forward in enabling non-technical creators to fully harness the power of AI and application development. With innovative thinkers like Ilan Zerbib leading the charge, the future of app development looks increasingly accessible—and exciting.
