Welcome to CXQuest.com, where we bring you insights from industry leaders who are shaping the future of customer experience through innovation and technology. Today, we are honored to have with us Abhinav Girdhar, the Founder & CEO of Appy Pie.
Abhinav is a visionary entrepreneur who has revolutionized the no-code and AI-powered development space, making app building and automation accessible to businesses of all sizes. Under his leadership, Appy Pie has garnered over 12 million registered users and continues to redefine the digital transformation landscape.
Thank you for joining us, Abhinav.
The Appy Pie Journey
Q1. Can you take us through the inception of Appy Pie and your vision behind launching a no-code platform?
AG: While running a media agency in 2016, I noticed a real gap in the market. Despite having amazing ideas, entrepreneurs were unable to execute them because of high costs and barriers, such as coding. The situation needed to be changed, and the goal was simple: everyone should have the opportunity to build apps. Our mission was to be present when innovation meets accessibility, simply and intuitively, and this is where Appy Pie comes into the picture as a user-friendly and innovative platform.
Q2. What were the initial challenges you faced in introducing the concept of DIY app building to the market?
AG: The initial stages of our entrepreneurial journey with DIY app building presented many challenges that required a good amount of hard work and adaptability. At that time, the concept of no-code development was not widely accepted; many businesses questioned its efficacy, and software developers viewed it as a competitive threat. We were tasked with establishing credibility by consistently delivering tangible results and maintaining a competitive edge in the market. Launching innovative solutions can be a complex endeavor, as it often takes time for new ideas to gain traction. Distribution of the services was very crucial. As a result, we focused on getting Appy Pie in front of users and building their trust.
Overwhelming Response
Q3. The AI App Builder MVP gained an astounding 21,000 users within 24 hours. What do you think contributed to such an overwhelming response?
AG: The launch garnered significant attention due to our strategic timing. AI was trending, and our MVP made it approachable. For years, people have trusted us for impactful no-code tools, and they expect us to deliver something new and practical, just as we have before. Being able to describe an app and have it built right away? That’s the kind of ease users want. We were there with a solution that made app building simpler than ever, and that’s what drove those significant numbers.
Customer Experience & Innovation
Q4. No-code and AI-driven solutions have transformed the way businesses interact with technology. How does Appy Pie prioritize customer experience (CX) in its offerings?
AG: AI and no-code have changed the script, and now businesses expect tech to be fast and flexible. Customer experience has always been our top priority at Appy Pie, and it has been our primary goal since the beginning.
We ask ourselves with every decision: “Does this simplify things for them?” We prioritize simplicity by continuously simplifying our tools and reducing unnecessary steps in the user journey. Whether it’s providing drag-and-drop functionality, intelligent AI suggestions, or seamless integrations, the goal is to remove the lengthy process and deliver value to customers quickly.
Feedback is at the core of our process. We actively engage with our user community, run regular usability tests, and refine our platform based on real-world input. And beyond the product itself, we support our users with a dedicated customer success team, ensuring they have guidance and answers at every step.
Q5. Can you share a real-world example where Appy Pie has significantly enhanced a business’s customer engagement and operational efficiency?
AG: There are many great real-world examples where Appy Pie has significantly impacted the services of any business. One I remember, A restaurant chain trusted us during the pandemic. They used Appy Pie to build their app, which allowed customers to order ahead, track deliveries, and get personalized offers. It made the whole experience faster and easier for their customers, especially compared to slow phone orders.
On the operations side, they used our Automate tool to link their inventory with staff scheduling. That helped them avoid mistakes during busy hours and run things more smoothly. It wasn’t just about staying open during COVID, it gave them a competitive edge. Appy Pie helped them keep going when it mattered most and made their business stronger in the long run.
Q6. How do you balance ease of use with powerful functionality to ensure a seamless experience for both beginners and advanced users?
AG: Balancing the user experience for beginners and advanced users is a very delicate process, and we are very careful about it. Our goal is to make the platform intuitive enough for beginners yet flexible enough for advanced users. Using layers of complexity, we present a simple user interface but provide advanced functionality underneath. Beginners benefit from guided workflows, AI-powered recommendations, and prebuilt templates. In addition to integrations and workflow automation, advanced users can customize their environment. Our goal is to meet users where they are in their journey and to give them the tools to progress at their own speed and skill set.
AI and the Future of No-Code Development
Q7. AI is a major component of Appy Pie’s innovation. How do you see AI shaping the future of customer experience in the no-code industry?
AG: AI is a major component of Appy Pie’s innovation, as you mentioned. Yes, and we are constantly working on innovation to improve results and improve the experience for our users. Shortly, AI will transform no-code into a proactive solution. Platforms will soon suggest advanced features (we already do this for basic features), optimize advanced designs, and even handle support. No-code is evolving daily, and in the future, AI will provide users with solutions before they ask for them, allowing them to strategize without being distracted by details. Through efficiency, CX will feel personal and instant.
Q8. With AI rapidly evolving, how does Appy Pie ensure ethical AI practices while enhancing automation and content generation?
AG: The ethical practices you must follow when considering non-tech users must be strict. The concept of ethics is fundamental to our organization, not just an added consideration. Throughout our integration of artificial intelligence, we adhere to principles of transparency, data privacy, and user consent. To maintain the integrity of our models, we train them to avoid bias and actively monitor the outputs. Automation shouldn’t come at the cost of accountability. We also educate our users on responsible AI usage, ensuring they’re also aware of the best ethical practices in automation and content generation.
Upcoming Features
Q9. What upcoming AI-powered features or enhancements can users expect from Appy Pie in the near future?
AG: We’re moving quickly toward a future where AI plays a central role in everything we offer. Our AI Website builder and AI App builder are among the most thrilling breakthroughs, and we keep fine-tuning these tools to boost their performance and meet user needs. We’re always adding new features to improve the user experience and provide a more effective AI touch for better outcomes.
We’re also expanding into AI-powered design tools, where users can create videos, animation, images, and other digital assets just by entering their thoughts or ideas as a prompt. No design skills are required—just an idea and a few words.
Another big step forward has been the release of our AI Voice Agent Builder, along with several new tools that are changing how people build and automate with AI. And we’re just getting started— we’re fully committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the no-code AI space, and there’s much more on the way.
Market Positioning & Growth Strategy
Q10. Appy Pie holds around 7% of the global no-code market. What strategies have contributed to this impressive growth?
AG: We have a very simple strategy at Appy Pie to reach users who need our services and focus on the approach that we offer what we promise, keeping our platform relevant for our customers. Adding on to that, our affordable plans attract users, but you shouldn’t ignore that it’s our value that keeps them and drives word of mouth. We’ve positioned ourselves as a true one-stop Website and App Builder platform, covering everything from app development to workflows and design. Also, our Customer Relationship team is very proactive, agile, and focused on solving user challenges rather than chasing trends by coming up with unique solutions by listening closely to our customers. That’s how we’ve earned our place in the market.
Q11. You’ve partnered with industry leaders like Google Workspace, MongoDB, and PayPal. How have these collaborations strengthened Appy Pie’s capabilities?
AG: Partnering with these leaders becomes crucial for us because I know that my users and customers are going to need that as they’re force multipliers. For example, Google Workspace adds productivity; MongoDB scales apps without hiccups, and PayPal secures payments fast. Each one strengthens our presence—users get trusted tools, seamlessly integrated. It’s about delivering more without overcomplicating.
Q12. In a competitive market, how do you differentiate Appy Pie from other no-code platforms?
AG: The goal of becoming a leader in any field requires that you offer your users more at your platform so they do not have to rely on other platforms for their needs. We maintain that mindset by providing apps, automation, and artificial intelligence wherever users need us at an affordable price. Additionally, user experience matters most to us. While others may prioritize coders or corporates, we cater to startups and scaling businesses. With live support and innovative features like voice app building, we stay at the forefront of the industry. We don’t just compete; we redefine what is possible.
Vision & Advice for Entrepreneurs
Q13. You’ve built a platform that democratizes technology access for businesses and individuals alike. What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs in the no-code space?
AG: Many businesses fail because they get distracted and try to provide every type of feature on their platform rather than focusing on mastering the feature, capturing the market first, and keeping it real. Successful companies prioritize solving real problems, as genuine value persists long after trends fade. By paying attention to user pain points and pivoting when necessary, businesses can build trust. Companies can engage meaningfully with their audiences when they embrace a lean approach. Focusing on what matters builds loyalty and positions a business for long-term success.
Q14. How do you see the no-code and AI landscape evolving in the next five years?
AG: The way we are seeing how AI is advancing and dominating almost every field, wherever you go, it won’t be wrong to say it is going big. For sure, no code will dominate app creation, but AI will make it smart, predictive, and adaptive. Businesses will demand instant, tailored tech, and we will deliver. At Appy Pie, we’re already moving in that direction, building intelligent tools that simplify complex tasks. The goal is to make technology so seamless and intuitive that it feels invisible, working quietly in the background without making any noise.
Q15. What’s next for Appy Pie, and how do you envision its impact on digital transformation globally?
AG: We’re advancing AI to build entire digital ecosystems from a single idea, not just apps. Our strategic partnerships amplify this vision, expanding our global footprint. At the core, our mission is to democratize digitization by empowering every business, anywhere in the world, with the tools to transform. Digital transformation shouldn’t be a privilege, instead, it should be a universal right, and we’re making that a reality.
Abhinav, it has been an absolute pleasure discussing your journey and insights into the no-code and AI-powered revolution. In fact, your dedication to making technology accessible and affordable is truly inspiring.
We at CXQuest.com appreciate your time and look forward to seeing how Appy Pie continues to innovate and empower businesses worldwide.
Thank you for joining us, and, in fact, we wish you continued success in your mission to transform the digital landscape.
