Low-code, high cost? The hidden dangers of quick-fix platforms
You may have seen the recent news: Builder.ai— a once high-flying, Microsoft-backed AI startup — has filed for bankruptcy. Valued at $1.2 billion just last year, it promised to revolutionise software development by offering a low-code platform that let anyone build apps with minimal technical expertise. But the collapse tells a more familiar story: shortcuts in software development often cost far more than they save.
At Shoothill, we’ve seen this pattern play out time and time again. Businesses opt for “easy” low-code platforms believing they’ll cut development costs, only to find themselves stuck with inflexible tools, mounting subscription fees, and applications that can’t grow with their needs. And eventually — sometimes months, sometimes years later — they come to us for the fix.
Today, we break down the problem.
Low-code platforms often oversimplify complex problems
Builder.ai positioned itself as a way for non-developers to build robust apps with AI. But the truth is, real-world applications are messy, integrated, and constantly evolving. Platforms like these may get you 70% of the way there, but the last 30% is where the real complexity (and cost) lies. That’s where limitations hit, and you need actual developers to untangle the mess.
The costs quietly pile up
These platforms typically charge monthly fees, add-ons for extra features, and support costs when you hit technical roadblocks. What starts as a “budget-friendly” option can quickly balloon into an expensive commitment, and by that point, migrating away is even costlier.
Eventually, you’ll need proper developers anyway
When businesses outgrow the low-code system or run into problems it can’t internally solve, the solution is always the same: bring in real software developers to rebuild or salvage what’s there. But now the project is harder — we’re not just building from scratch, we’re cleaning up technical debt.
The smarter choice? Invest in a scalable solution from the start
At Shoothill, we focus on building bespoke, high-performance software tailored to your actual business needs — from day one. No templates, no shortcuts, just rock-solid engineering designed to scale with your ambitions.
It may not come with flashy promises, but it will save you time, money, and a lot of headaches in the long run.
If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Low-code platforms may promise rapid results, but when the cracks show, and they will, you’ll wish you’d gone to proper developers in the first place.
Need to escape a low-code trap? We’re ready to help.
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