Story of Glide: No-code platform for building mobile and web apps -Startup
Story of Glide:
Beginning of Glide
In 2018, David Siegel, a former Microsoft employee with a passion for
simplifying technology, co-founded Glide. His vision was clear: to make app
creation as easy as editing a spreadsheet, so that anyone, not just
programmers, could bring their ideas to life.
Breaking Barriers With No-Code
Glide introduced a no-code platform where users could create mobile and web
apps without writing a single line of code. Instead, people could start with
data from a Google Sheet and transform it into a functional app with just a few
clicks. This innovation opened new doors for startups, small businesses, and
even individuals.
Making App Development Simple
The platform’s drag-and-drop interface worked like magic. Instead of long lines
of programming, users could visually design their apps in real time, making
development more like building a presentation. This WYSIWYG approach meant less
miscommunication, fewer delays, and faster results.
From Small Teams to Big Impact
Glide quickly gained traction among businesses looking to streamline
operations. Companies began building custom apps for tasks like project
tracking, inventory management, and customer databases. What used to take
months and thousands of dollars could now be done in days at a fraction of the
cost.
Funding and Early Support
Glide attracted strong investor confidence. With $23.8 million in Series A
funding, supported by Benchmark Capital Holdings, First Round Capital, and
Idealab, Glide was able to scale operations, refine its platform, and expand
its user base.
Revenue Growth and Adoption
From its first dollar in 2018, Glide’s revenue grew rapidly. By 2021, it earned
$912K. In 2023, it reached $2.3M, and in 2024, it soared to $3.7M—a 65%
year-over-year growth rate. This consistent progress reflected how quickly the
no-code movement was being embraced.
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Serving a Growing Customer Base
By 2024, Glide had 100,000 customers and a team of 64 employees. Businesses of
all sizes relied on Glide to create tailored apps that improved efficiency,
automated tasks, and centralized data. For many, Glide became a single source
of truth in managing operations.
The Power of No-Code for Businesses
The rise of no-code platforms like Glide gave smaller companies the same
opportunities once reserved for tech giants. With Glide, startups could launch
products faster, while large enterprises could cut IT costs and empower
employees to build tools themselves.
Real-World Success Stories
One notable case was CarboNet, an industrial wastewater treatment provider. By
adopting no-code solutions, CarboNet developed internal and customer-facing
apps at a cost 30 times lower than traditional methods. They reduced their IT
budget by 40% and gave each employee an extra hour of productivity per day.
Riding the No-Code Market Boom
Industry reports show that 87% of enterprise developers now use no-code
platforms, and the market is expected to grow by $50 billion by 2028. Glide is
well-positioned to benefit from this growth as more companies look to build
apps faster and more affordably.
The Democratization of Software
Glide represents a larger movement: the democratization of software. By giving
non-technical users the ability to build apps, Glide levels the playing field.
Now, anyone with a spreadsheet and an idea can create digital tools that once
required expensive development teams.
Scaling With AI-Powered Features
Over time, Glide has integrated AI into its platform, allowing businesses to
automate workflows, connect different data sources, and scale their operations
seamlessly. This shift has positioned Glide as not just a no-code platform, but
also a powerful enabler of digital transformation.
The Future of Glide
Looking ahead, David Siegel and his team aim to make Glide the go-to no-code
platform for businesses worldwide. With continued growth, strong investor
backing, and a rapidly expanding market, Glide is shaping the future of
software—one spreadsheet at a time.
Timeline of Glide’s Journey
- 2018
– Glide founded by David Siegel in Tiburon, California. Launches with the
mission to turn spreadsheets into apps.
- 2018–2019
– Gains early traction as a no-code solution; begins building customer
base.
- 2021
– Revenue reaches $912K, reflecting steady adoption.
- 2023
– Hits $2.3M revenue; grows customer base significantly.
- 2024
– Reaches $3.7M revenue (+65% YOY) and 100K customers with
64 employees.
- 2024–2025
– Expands AI-powered features, securing its position as a leader in
no-code app development.
- Future – Positioned to ride the $50B no-code market boom by 2028, continuing to democratize software creation.
