Softr Expands No-Code App Building Beyond Airtable Integration
For small businesses looking to create a client portal or an internal tool, allocating a dedicated developer can be challenging due to limited budgets and resources. That’s why over 600,000 users—including project managers, HR professionals, and marketers—have turned to Softr’s no-code app builder to create tools themselves.
Initially launched as a platform built on top of Airtable, the popular enterprise database solution, Softr is introducing transformative updates for 2025.
Expanding Beyond Airtable
In a major shift, Softr no longer restricts users to Airtable for data storage. The platform now supports a variety of third-party databases, offering flexibility for users with different needs. From user-friendly tools like Google Sheets and Notion to developer-oriented databases such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, and MariaDB, users have more options than ever to store and manage their data.
“As we grew, we realized many companies don’t have structured data. Their information is scattered across manual paperwork, emails, spreadsheets, and various tools,” said Softr co-founder and CEO Mariam Hakobyan in an interview with TechCrunch.
Hakobyan added, “For others, their data is fragmented across platforms like HubSpot, Google Sheets, or SQL databases. Our goal is to become the central hub, enabling users to build apps on top of their dispersed databases to streamline operational activities.”
A New App-Building Experience
Softr’s shift to a data-agnostic approach coincides with a revamped app-building experience. The platform provides a library of predefined drag-and-drop blocks, allowing users to easily create pages with features like lists, charts, forms, and tables. New AI-powered tools also simplify the app-building process further.
In line with its focus on internal tools and client portals, Softr now includes a robust permission system. Users can define access controls for different user groups—for example, enabling clients to submit forms and view specific data while allowing employees full access to manage data across the platform.
Accessible and User-Friendly
Softr has established itself as one of the most approachable no-code platforms on the market. “We intentionally designed Softr to be simple and accessible, so even non-developers can build effective tools,” Hakobyan said. The platform is frequently recommended as one of the top tools for beginners in the no-code space.
What’s Next for Softr
To broaden its capabilities further, Softr is planning to roll out workflows and table-building features in the coming months. These additions will allow users to create apps without needing external databases, appealing to those who want a self-contained solution.
“If you already have data, great—you can integrate it with your app. But if you want to build an app without relying on a database, we’ve got you covered too,” Hakobyan explained.
A Growing Business Model
Softr operates on a freemium model, relying primarily on word of mouth for growth. Of the 600,000 users who have signed up, around 5,000 are paying customers.
The company, which raised $13.5 million in a Series A funding round in 2022 led by FirstMark Capital, has maintained a lean and efficient structure. With no dedicated sales team, Softr is nearing profitability.
Based in Berlin, the company’s 45-member team spans 15 countries, reflecting its global and remote-first approach to business.
Softr’s latest innovations solidify its reputation as a versatile and accessible no-code platform, empowering businesses of all sizes to take control of their app development needs without requiring technical expertise.
