How European Founders Can Build MVPs Without Developers

Launching a new startup in Europe can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time, especially when technical expertise is missing. Many great ideas never reach market testing because founders assume coding is mandatory for building a working product. Thankfully, no-code and low-code tools now make it possible to design, launch, and validate real digital products without writing any code. This shift allows founders to save time, cut costs, and test demand faster than traditional tech startups.

I’m Riten, founder of Fueler - a skills-first portfolio platform that connects talented individuals with companies through assignments, portfolios, and projects not just resumes/CVs. Think Dribbble/Behance for work samples + AngelList for hiring infrastructure

This blog dives into the leading no-code platforms, validation strategies, and real execution methods to help founders build products that attract users and investors—no coding degree needed.

Understanding MVPs and Why They Matter

An MVP, or Minimum Viable Product, is the simplest version of a product that demonstrates your core idea. It includes only essential features that users need to engage with your concept, helping you test assumptions before full development.

• An MVP focuses on solving a single, major problem instead of building every potential feature.
• It helps you attract early users and gather real-world feedback faster than traditional product cycles.
• Founders can test business viability without overspending on technical development.
• Early prototypes reveal usage data that guide smart, evidence-based updates.
• MVPs are often the first thing investors look for because they show execution, not just ideas.

Why it matters: Building an MVP early ensures that European founders spend wisely, stay adaptable across markets, and avoid building something the market doesn’t want. It’s a smarter, data-driven route to startup success.

1. Bubble – Build Fully Functional Web Apps Easily

Bubble lets founders design and deploy complete web applications visually through drag-and-drop workflows. You can create dynamic websites, marketplaces, or SaaS platforms using real database functionality without touching a single line of code.

• Bubble provides a full-stack no-code solution, allowing you to manage front-end design and backend logic from one dashboard.
• The workflow editor automates actions, payments, and database tasks, reducing dependence on developers.
• Its marketplace offers hundreds of pre-built templates optimized for startups, ecommerce, or SaaS MVPs.
• Apps built on Bubble can scale to thousands of users and integrate seamlessly with APIs like Stripe, Airtable, and Zapier.
• A supportive community and learning hub help founders solve problems and share solutions quickly.

Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start around €29/month.

Why it matters: Bubble stands out for founders who want full control over design and scalability. It empowers European entrepreneurs to move fast, customize deeply, and present investor-ready MVPs without a tech co-founder.

2. Glide – Turn Spreadsheets into Mobile Apps

Glide is perfect for non-technical founders who want mobile-compatible MVPs instantly. It turns Google Sheets or CSV data into powerful, user-friendly apps that can be shared in minutes.

• The platform automatically converts structured data into clean, interactive UI components.
• You can customize branding, layouts, and logic to match business goals.
• Glide includes features like login screens, forms, and native mobile responsiveness.
• Collaboration tools let multiple team members edit or improve app content live.
• Apps can be instantly shared via links or progressive web app installation.

Pricing: Free version available; professional plans from €25/month.

Why it matters: Glide is perfect for early testing and internal apps. European founders can start pilot projects quickly even during early funding stages without needing a technical background or hiring a coder.

3. Softr – Build Portals and Marketplaces from Airtable

Softr transforms your existing Airtable or Google Sheets data into professional web apps such as client portals, directories, or marketplaces. Its speed and simplicity make it ideal for startups and small teams.

• Softr offers drag-and-drop building blocks for members, pricing pages, or client logins.
• Connects easily to Airtable for data automation and management.
• Supports SEO-friendly public websites and gated internal tools at the same time.
• Enables PayPal, Stripe, and Zapier integrations for fast monetization.
• Collaboration features make it startup-friendly for remote European teams.

Pricing: Free plan available; premium starts around €49/month.

Why it matters: For founders managing community-based or B2B products, Softr provides structure and speed. It transforms data systems into client-ready web apps—ideal for proving business traction early.

4. Webflow – Design-Led MVPs for Modern Businesses

Webflow merges the beauty of visual design with complete CMS control. It’s known for enabling founders to craft elegant, responsive websites that express their brand identity while testing product ideas.

• Offers full creative control with an advanced drag-and-drop editor and clean, exportable code.
• Built-in SEO settings help startups rank fast and build online presence early.
• Integrations with Zapier, Memberstack, and Outseta expand MVP functionality.
• Dynamic CMS allows building blogs, product catalogs, or educational platforms easily.
• Portfolio templates make brand-focused validation easy for creative founders.

Pricing: Basic plan starts near €15/month; higher plans for scaling.

Why it matters: European founders can combine strong visual storytelling with functional product validation. Webflow creates digital-first MVP experiences that impress users, clients, and investors alike.

5. Adalo – Prototype and Launch Mobile Apps Fast

Adalo focuses on mobile-first MVPs, helping founders create Android and iOS apps visually. Without any coding, you can build marketplaces, social platforms, or service-based products designed directly for your phone.

• Provides intuitive drag-and-drop components and app logic flow builder.
• Integrates payment systems through Stripe for fast monetization.
• Offers native mobile app publishing to Google Play and App Store.
• Includes user authentication, profile creation, and in-app data storage.
• Suitable for both MVPs and live operational business apps.

Pricing: Free tier available; paid from €36/month.

Why it matters: Adalo is ideal for startups looking to test mobile-dependent ideas, such as delivery apps or social tools, enabling non-technical founders to showcase working prototypes quickly.

6. Tally + Notion Combo – Low-Tech Product Validation Tools

Not every MVP requires an app or complex software. Using Notion for structured project layouts and Tally for collecting user feedback can create surprisingly powerful soft MVPs.

• Use Tally to build web forms and collect customer interest or signups easily.
• Notion acts as a central hub to document research, roadmaps, and user insights.
• Combine both to simulate flows for courses, marketplaces, or SaaS communities.
• Integrates smoothly with Zapier and Slack for team automation.
• Costs almost nothing while giving you early data to test viability.

Why it matters: This combo works for first-time founders testing audience reaction. It delivers quick product feedback loops without spending large sums or writing code.

How to Validate Your MVP Like a Pro

Once you build your MVP, real validation begins. The goal is to learn from users, measure engagement, and refine accordingly. European founders can apply these validation tactics effectively across local and global markets.

• Launch private beta access or early testing signup pages to collect direct interest.
• Track user behavior using Google Analytics, Hotjar, or Mixpanel to monitor retention.
• Gather email feedback and testimonials to understand feature priorities.
• Run small ad campaigns on social media to test audience response.
• Use feedback loops to pivot toward the strongest demand areas.

Why it matters: Validation validates you as much as your product. Founders who listen to data instead of assumptions build faster, stronger startups with higher success rates in competitive ecosystems like Europe.

Showcase Your MVP to the World

An MVP shows the power of your idea, but showcasing it smartly increases credibility. That’s where a platform like Fueler becomes invaluable. On Fueler, you can upload your MVPs as live case studies, document your creative journey, and demonstrate the results of your execution. This turns your prototype into an impressive proof-of-skill story that investors, partners, or employers can instantly trust.

Final Thoughts

Building an MVP no longer demands developers or heavy coding backgrounds. Thanks to today’s no-code revolution, European founders can transform concepts into working products within days, collect real feedback, and scale confidently. The only limit is how clearly you define your startup vision and how fast you execute it.

FAQs

1. What are the best no-code tools to build MVPs in 2025?

Bubble, Glide, Softr, Webflow, and Adalo are among the best without requiring coding expertise.

2. How much does it cost to build an MVP without developers?

Most no-code platforms cost between €25–€50 per month, making them ideal for affordable early-stage development.

3. Can investors take no-code MVPs seriously?

Yes, investors value working prototypes that demonstrate user adoption and problem validation, regardless of coding method.

4. Which MVP strategy is best for early validation?

Combine Notion and Tally for quick testing or use Webflow for public-facing minimal versions of your product.

5. How can Fueler help founders?

Fueler lets you publish, organize, and present your MVPs as verified work samples that highlight your capability to ideate and execute effectively.

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