I’m thrilled to sit down with Vijay Raina, a renowned expert in enterprise SaaS technology and tools, whose insights into software design and architecture have guided countless startups to success. Today, we’re diving into the explosive world of vibe-coding startups, focusing on the remarkable rise of a company called Anything, which has already achieved a $100 million valuation just weeks after launch. Our conversation explores the transformative potential of AI-powered app development, the unique challenges and opportunities in this competitive space, and how Anything is positioning itself to empower nontechnical users to build real, revenue-generating applications.
Can you walk us through the core mission of vibe-coding tools like Anything, and what gaps in the market they’re trying to address?
Absolutely. Vibe-coding tools, at their core, aim to democratize app development by allowing users—especially those without technical backgrounds—to create functional software using natural language prompts and AI assistance. Companies like Anything are stepping in to address a critical gap: while many platforms excel at building prototypes, they often fall short when it comes to providing the full infrastructure needed to launch production-ready apps. This means nontechnical users struggle with databases, payment systems, and other back-end necessities. Anything’s mission is to bridge that gap by offering an all-in-one solution, making it possible for anyone to go from idea to a fully operational app.
What do you think contributed to Anything’s staggering early success, hitting a $2 million annualized run rate in just two weeks?
That kind of growth is rare and speaks to a perfect storm of factors. First, there’s clearly a pent-up demand for tools that simplify app creation for nontechnical folks. Anything likely tapped into this by offering a seamless, intuitive platform that delivers real results fast. I’d also guess their in-house infrastructure—handling everything from storage to payments—removed barriers that typically slow users down on other platforms. Finally, their timing couldn’t be better; the vibe-coding trend is exploding, and they’ve positioned themselves as a leader by solving pain points others haven’t yet addressed.
How does Anything’s vision of becoming the ‘Shopify of the vibe-coding space’ resonate with you, and what might that look like in practice?
I love that analogy because it captures both accessibility and impact. Shopify revolutionized e-commerce by empowering anyone to build a store without coding expertise, and I think Anything wants to do the same for app development. In practice, this means creating a platform so user-friendly that a small business owner or solo entrepreneur can launch an app—say, a habit tracker or a niche training tool—and actually generate revenue from it. It’s about lowering the entry barrier while ensuring the end product is professional and scalable, much like Shopify did for online stores.
Can you elaborate on the significance of Anything building all its back-end tools in-house, rather than relying on third-party solutions?
This is a game-changer. By developing their own infrastructure—databases, payment systems, and storage—Anything gains control over the entire user experience, ensuring everything integrates smoothly. When platforms rely on third-party tools, users often face compatibility issues or additional setup hurdles, which can be daunting for nontechnical folks. Building in-house also allows Anything to innovate faster and tailor solutions to their specific audience. Of course, it’s a massive undertaking with high upfront costs and technical challenges, but if done right, it creates a moat against competitors.
With such a crowded vibe-coding market, what do you think sets Anything apart from other players in this space?
The vibe-coding space is indeed packed, with each company carving out its niche. I think Anything stands out by focusing on the end-to-end journey—from ideation to a live, revenue-generating app. Many competitors are great at prototyping but leave users stranded when it’s time to launch. Anything’s all-in-one approach, combined with their early traction, suggests they’re addressing real user frustrations. If they can maintain that focus on usability and keep innovating, they could build a loyal user base even in a competitive landscape.
Looking at the bigger picture, how do you see the vibe-coding trend evolving over the next few years?
I believe vibe-coding is just the beginning of a broader shift toward AI-driven creation tools. Over the next few years, we’ll see these platforms become even more sophisticated, handling complex app functionalities and integrating with emerging technologies like AR or blockchain. The focus will likely shift toward personalization—tools that adapt to individual user needs—and community-building, where users can share templates or monetize their creations. Competition will intensify, but so will collaboration, as platforms find ways to interoperate. It’s an exciting space with huge potential to redefine how we think about software development.
What’s your forecast for the future of vibe-coding tools and their impact on entrepreneurship?
I’m incredibly bullish on vibe-coding tools. They’re poised to revolutionize entrepreneurship by making app creation as accessible as setting up a website was a decade ago. We’ll see a surge in micro-entrepreneurs—individuals launching niche apps to solve specific problems or serve small communities. These tools will lower the financial and technical barriers to entry, fostering innovation at an unprecedented scale. My forecast is that within five years, vibe-coding platforms will be a cornerstone of the startup ecosystem, with millions of small businesses and side hustles built on top of them. The ripple effect on the economy and creativity could be transformative.
