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Lenny's 🏦 Vault

Software Becoming Content for Non-Technical Creators

by Dan Shipper on July 17, 2025

While traditional SaaS product development still requires technical expertise, AI is creating new categories of software that non-technical people can build and monetize today.

Situation

  • Dan Shipper, CEO of Every, was asked how far we are from being able to hire non-technical people to build software products
  • The question reflects widespread interest in whether AI will democratize software creation
  • Traditional SaaS product development still requires engineering knowledge
  • However, new AI-powered platforms are enabling different types of software creation

Actions

Identifying the New Opportunity Space

  • Dan recognized that while traditional SaaS apps still require coding knowledge, new forms of software are emerging
  • He identified browser-based AI "skills" as an accessible entry point for non-technical creators
  • He specifically highlighted Dia (from The Browser Company) which allows users to create custom AI skills that run on web pages

Distinguishing Between Software Types

  • Dan made a clear distinction between traditional SaaS applications and these new AI-powered tools
  • He compared it to the difference between Hollywood movies and YouTube videos - different formats with different creation barriers
  • He emphasized that these new tools may not look like conventional software but can still be run as businesses

Focusing on Value Over Form

  • Rather than trying to replicate traditional software development, Dan suggested focusing on creating valuable AI-powered tools
  • He noted that custom GPTs from ChatGPT are already accessible to non-technical creators
  • He positioned these as legitimate software products despite their different form factor

Results

  • Non-technical people can already build and potentially monetize AI-powered tools like:
    • Custom browser "skills" for Dia
    • Specialized GPTs for ChatGPT
    • Other AI agents tailored to specific use cases
  • These tools can provide real value and potentially generate revenue
  • The definition of "software" is expanding beyond traditional applications
  • The barrier to entry for creating software-like products is lowering

Key Lessons

  • Software is becoming content: The line between content creation and software development is blurring, creating new opportunities
  • Focus on accessible platforms: Non-technical creators should target platforms specifically designed for AI tool creation rather than trying to build traditional applications
  • Value creation doesn't require coding: You can create valuable software-like products without writing code by leveraging AI platforms
  • New business models are emerging: These new forms of software may enable different business models than traditional SaaS
  • Start where you can today: Rather than waiting for no-code to fully mature, identify platforms where you can already build without technical skills
  • Recognize the evolution: The definition of software is changing - what counts as "software" today is different than five years ago and will continue to evolve
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