Google Acquires AppSheet to Expand No-Code Development Capabilities in Google Cloud

Google has recently announced the acquisition of AppSheet, a leading no-code platform specializing in mobile application development. Established eight years ago, this startup has raised over $17 million with a valuation of $60 million, based on data from PitchBook. However, the exact acquisition cost remains undisclosed.

The purchase of AppSheet enables Google to provide a simple and efficient approach for businesses to develop mobile applications without writing any code. This platform functions by extracting data from spreadsheets, databases, or forms and using field or column names as the foundation for app development.

Although AppSheet already integrates with Google Cloud, Google Sheets, and Google Forms, it also works with numerous other tools such as AWS DynamoDB, Salesforce, Office 365, and Box. Google intends to continue supporting these additional platforms even after finalizing the deal.

In a blog post announcing the acquisition, Amit Zavery highlighted the importance of enabling everyone, including businesses with limited developer resources, to build mobile applications. He wrote, This acquisition helps enterprises empower millions of citizen developers to more easily create and extend applications without the need for professional coding skills.

Praveen Seshadri, co-founder and CEO of AppSheet, believes that joining forces with Google presents a tremendous opportunity to expand the platform and reach a wider market. He envisions great potential in leveraging and integrating more deeply with numerous Google services such as G Suite and Android to enhance AppSheet's functionality, scale, and performance. This acquisition aligns with Google Cloud's industry expertise in verticals like financial services, retail, and media and entertainment.

Google's acquisition of AppSheet is a strategic move to extend its development philosophy by adding no-code development capabilities alongside workflow automation, application integration, and API management within Google Cloud. While no-code tools like AppSheet and AppMaster.io cannot fully replace advanced development environments, they do empower organizations without mobile apps to create and deploy functional applications, thus democratizing the mobile app development process.