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Building SaaS with Bubble: Scalability, Trade-offs, and When to Transition to Code

Building SaaS with Bubble: Scalability, Trade-offs, and When to Transition to Code

Sep 8, 2025

Harish Malhi - founder of Goodspeed
Harish Malhi - founder of Goodspeed

Founder at GoodSpeed

Graphic with the text "Build Your SaaS App with Bubble"
Graphic with the text "Build Your SaaS App with Bubble"
Graphic with the text "Build Your SaaS App with Bubble"

SaaS is execution-heavy. Success usually depends on how quickly you can get a product into customers’ hands, validate the model, and scale once traction arrives. Traditionally, that meant building in code — a path that’s powerful but slow, costly, and reliant on scarce engineering talent.

Enter Bubble. What began as a scrappy no-code experiment has matured into a serious platform for SaaS development. Today, Bubble powers everything from marketplaces and CRMs to AI platforms and fintech applications that process billions of dollars in transactions. And its growth speaks volumes:

  • As of August 2025, more than 4.7 million applications have been built on Bubble.

  • The platform counts 5 million builders, over 6 million apps, and an ecosystem of 8,000+ plugins and integrations (up from 6,500 just last year).

  • Founders building on Bubble have collectively raised over $15 billion in venture funding.

  • Bubble itself scaled to $74.2 million in revenue in 2024, up from $50 million in 2023.

This traction reflects a broader shift: SaaS no longer has to start with code. Bubble offers a faster, cheaper path to market, but, like any technology choice, it comes with trade-offs.

In this post, we’ll cut through the hype and look practically at:

  • What kinds of SaaS apps are a good fit for Bubble

  • How it compares with alternatives (including custom code)

  • How far you can scale on Bubble before hitting limits

  • The realities of IP, vendor lock-in, and compliance

  • How and when to plan a transition to code

1. Can You Build SaaS with Bubble?

The short answer: yes, absolutely. But some applications are a better fit than others.

Types of SaaS That Fit Well on Bubble

  • Marketplaces → job boards, property rentals, recruitment platforms

  • Internal Tools & Dashboards → workforce management, property ops, CRM, logistics

  • AI-powered SaaS → support agents, content generation, ad-tech automation

  • Subscription Services → fitness tracking, fintech lending, loan processing

  • B2B Applications → directories, messaging apps, project collaboration tools

Bubble particularly shines when you need multi-tenant SaaS with role-based permissions, account hierarchies, and data privacy baked in.

Where Bubble Excels

  • Speed & Cost: MVPs in weeks, not months; 10x cheaper than full-code builds

  • Full-stack capabilities: UI + database + workflows all in one platform

  • Powerful workflows: Visual logic, backend jobs, conditional actions

  • Integrations: Stripe, Twilio, AI models, analytics platforms, and more

  • Scalability levers: AWS-based infra, workload unit (WU) scaling, enterprise options

  • Security & compliance: SOC 2 Type II, GDPR, ISO 27001, plus customizable privacy rules

For most early-stage SaaS teams, these advantages mean you can launch quickly, iterate confidently, and start generating revenue without waiting for engineering backlogs.

2. Is Bubble the Best Platform for SaaS?

Bubble isn’t the only no-code player. Here’s how it stacks up:

Platform

Strengths

Weaknesses

Bubble

Full-stack, workflows, complex UIs

Proprietary infra, learning curve

Webflow

Best for marketing websites

Not suited for SaaS logic

Glide

Fast mobile apps from spreadsheets

Limited styling & workflows

Adalo

Strong for mobile MVPs

Weak dashboards & data logic

Softr

Simple tools on Airtable data

Not built for scaling complexity

Custom Code

Unlimited control, infra ownership

Slow, expensive, requires devs

When Bubble Wins

  • Custom workflows, automation, or complex dashboards

  • Multi-tenant SaaS with role-based access

  • B2B SaaS where integrations are critical

  • Teams needing fast iteration and low cost of change

When to Avoid Bubble

  • Extreme scale/latency (trading apps, real-time multiplayer)

  • High WU usage → costlier than custom infra long-term

  • Code ownership is non-negotiable (due to investor/regulatory requirements)

  • Niche integrations (e.g., WebSockets-heavy apps)

3. Scalability – How Far Can Bubble Take You?

Bubble has come a long way in scalability. With proper design, it can support thousands of users and millions in revenue.

Vertical Scaling

  • Infrastructure: AWS backbone, enterprise dedicated instances

  • Workload Units (WU): Pay-as-you-grow model; flexible scaling

  • Database design: Multi-tenant setup, clean relationships, optimized queries

Horizontal Scaling

  • Plugins & APIs: Extend functionality with marketplace or custom integrations

  • App Connector: Build a suite of related Bubble apps that talk to each other

  • Hybrid approach: Keep Bubble for core workflows, offload heavy tasks to microservices

Case Studies

  • Dividend Finance: Built MVP in 6 weeks, scaled to billions in loans, then hybridized with custom APIs

  • Messly: Grew to 25,000 doctors, acquired after proving traction on Bubble

  • My AskAI: $25k MRR, 40,000 users, AI SaaS built in 6 weeks on Bubble

  • Freeholder: 10x cheaper build, under 3 months to launch property management SaaS

Learn more: Successful Bubble Apps

4. SaaS IP, Ownership, and Risks


IP Rights

  • What you own: As a Bubble customer, you own your application design, workflows, database, content, and all user data. This includes your app’s branding, intellectual property, and the logic you build inside the editor.

  • What Bubble owns: The underlying runtime engine—the proprietary codebase that powers Bubble’s platform—remains Bubble’s property. You don’t get direct access to that engine, nor can you export the raw source code of your app.

  • Safety net: Bubble has publicly committed that if the company were ever to shut down, they would open-source their runtime engine. This means the platform wouldn’t disappear overnight, and developers would still be able to run Bubble-built apps on self-hosted servers.

  • Implication for founders: From an IP perspective, you can confidently raise investment, sell your company, or get acquired knowing you own the valuable parts of your app. What you don’t own is the scaffolding beneath it—which is why some SaaS teams eventually plan hybrid strategies or migrations to code for long-term flexibility.

Vendor Lock-in

Vendor lock-in is real with Bubble, but it’s not a dealbreaker if you build with foresight. Because you can’t directly export your app’s source code, migration requires either progressive or full rebuilds. Still, there are ways to de-risk dependency:

  • Clean, modular database design: Keep schemas tidy, normalized, and well-documented so data migrations are smooth if you need to move later.

  • API-first mindset: Expose key workflows and logic through APIs. This not only helps with integrations today but also creates “escape hatches” for tomorrow.

  • Hybrid evolution strategy: Offload compute-heavy or specialized features into microservices or external backends while Bubble handles front-end and business workflows. This approach, proven by Dividend Finance and others, ensures you’re not locked into Bubble for your most performance-critical components.

  • Best practice: Treat Bubble as the orchestration layer of your SaaS, not the only layer. By externalizing critical services (authentication, analytics, payments, ML), you retain flexibility and reduce the switching cost if migration becomes necessary.

Security & Compliance

Bubble is not just “MVP software”; its infrastructure and compliance posture support serious B2B SaaS use cases. Key highlights:

  • Certifications: SOC 2 Type II, GDPR, ISO 27001. These give credibility when selling into regulated industries or enterprise clients.

  • Built-in safeguards:

    • SSL encryption by default for all apps.

    • Data encryption at rest and in transit.

    • Role-based privacy rules that let you control access at a granular, per-field level.

  • Enterprise readiness:

    • SSO (Single Sign-On) via SAML or OAuth.

    • Audit logs for traceability and compliance reporting.

    • HIPAA-ready hosting for healthcare applications.

  • Founder takeaway: With proper setup, Bubble apps can meet the standards expected in B2B SaaS environments. Many founders successfully pass vendor security questionnaires and sell to enterprise clients using Bubble. The key is to configure privacy rules correctly, use external security tools where appropriate (e.g., logging, monitoring), and lean on Bubble’s Enterprise plans when higher compliance thresholds are required.

​​5. How to Build SaaS with Bubble (Step-by-Step)

Building SaaS with Bubble isn’t just about dragging and dropping elements; it’s about following a structured process that turns an idea into a scalable product. Bubble gives you the tools to design, build, integrate, and launch, but success comes down to methodology and execution.

Here’s the step-by-step path most founders and teams take:

1. Build Sprints (MVP or v1 SaaS)

Every SaaS journey begins with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or version 1. The goal: get to market quickly, validate your idea, and collect real feedback.

  • Plan your core value → What problem are you solving, and for whom? Outline your value proposition, user roles, and workflows before touching the editor.

  • Visualize your platform → Rough wireframes and mockups help you prioritize critical features (login, payments, dashboards) over “nice-to-haves.”

  • Leverage AI in Bubble → Tools like the AI App Builder and AI Page Builder can instantly generate app structures, pages, and database schemas. You then refine and customize them with Bubble’s visual editor.

  • Design a clean database → Multi-tenant SaaS requires thoughtful DB design. Start with a parent data type (e.g., Company or Account), connect related data (Users, Projects, Customers), and define clear roles and permissions. This prevents costly refactors later.

Bubble lets you go from idea to prototype in days, not months. Teams like Dividend Finance launched in 6 weeks, and My AskAI pivoted and rebuilt in just 6 weeks on Bubble.

Discover our Bubble AI App builder prompt generator and start building today!

2. Integration Stack (Payments, Auth, Analytics, AI)

A SaaS product is only as strong as the stack behind it. Bubble’s plugin marketplace, API connector, and built-in features make it easy to integrate the essentials:

  • Payments → Stripe, PayPal, or Square for subscriptions, usage-based billing, or per-seat pricing. Create pricing tiers directly in Stripe, then manage subscriptions inside Bubble.

  • Authentication → Built-in email/password, social logins (Google, LinkedIn), and SSO options for enterprise. Add 2FA for extra security.

  • Analytics & Reporting → Visualize user data with chart plugins (Charts.js, ApexCharts) and build custom admin dashboards for monitoring.

  • AI Features → Connect to OpenAI, Claude, or other APIs for chatbots, smart search, and content generation. Bubble supports streaming APIs for real-time responses.

Other Integrations → CRM, email, SMS, Zapier/Make automations—Bubble plays well with your existing stack.

With the right integrations, your Bubble SaaS feels like a fully coded product from day one.

3. QA, Launch, Iterate

Shipping isn’t the end—it’s the beginning. The most successful SaaS apps are constantly tested, launched, and improved.

  • QA & Testing → Bubble’s debugger and issue checker help you spot problems early. Run security tests, privacy checks, and beta tests with real users.

  • Launch → Deploy on your custom domain. If building mobile, Bubble apps can be wrapped for iOS/Android distribution.

  • Iterate → Use feedback loops and analytics to refine UX, optimize workflows, and scale. Companies like Messly grew to 25K+ doctors and were acquired—all while staying on Bubble.

  • Hybrid Evolution → As you scale, consider offloading heavy features (e.g., real-time analytics, AI pipelines) to external microservices while keeping your SaaS core on Bubble. This “bridge strategy” lets you grow without tearing everything down.

If you’ve shipped an MVP and are ready to grow, Goodspeed Studio helps you maintain and scale seamlessly. Book a free consultation to unlock your app’s full potential.

DIY vs. Bubble Agency

You can build SaaS on Bubble yourself, but should you?

DIY (Do-It-Yourself)

  • Pros → Lower cost upfront, full control, instant prototyping with Bubble’s AI tools.

  • Cons → The “Day 2” problem: maintaining and scaling is harder than building. Many DIY projects run into database issues, messy workflows, and scalability ceilings.

Bubble Agency

  • ProsBubble SaaS Agencies like Goodspeed Studio bring expertise in SaaS design, clean DB architecture, and multi-tenant scaling. They build in structured sprints, avoiding the “broken build” problem.

  • Cons → Higher upfront investment, but far cheaper than fixing a fragile DIY build later.

Example: Harish Malhi’s Diaspo transforms a home-cook marketplace idea into a thriving SaaS-powered platform. On the flip side, many teams approach Goodspeed with broken builds—apps that hit scaling issues due to poor database design. In most cases, fixing costs more than building it right from the start.

If you’re serious about building SaaS on Bubble, don’t leave architecture and data modeling to chance. A Signal Sprint with Goodspeed gives you:

  • A scoped project plan (features, workflows, success metrics).

  • A clean, scalable data model.

  • Wireframes and UX flows tailored to your users.

  • A roadmap for launch and scale.

Ready to validate and launch your SaaS idea the right way? Book a Discovery Call or start a Signal Sprint with Goodspeed today.

6. AI-Enabled Building Platforms – Hype or Real?

The rise of AI-enabled building platforms marks a new era in software creation, especially for SaaS. Bubble, already a leader in no-code, now integrates AI directly into its ecosystem, while newcomers like Lovable and Replit are experimenting with AI-assisted coding.

But here’s the truth: AI in app building is very real, and it’s already changing how founders launch. At the same time, AI is not a silver bullet. It accelerates development but doesn’t replace human-led product thinking, which remains essential for strategy, UX, and scale.

Bubble’s AI Toolkit: From Idea to App in Minutes

Bubble’s integrated AI features move beyond hype into practical utility.

  • Rapid App Generation → The AI App Builder turns a text prompt into a working SaaS prototype—complete with database schema, workflows, and UI.

  • Faster UI Prototyping → The AI Page Designer (beta) generates page layouts based on parameters like audience, emotion, or color scheme, ensuring visual consistency.

  • Smart Database Setup → Bubble AI can generate data types with privacy rules, giving you a strong foundation for multi-tenant SaaS.

  • AI Integrations via API → Connect to external models (OpenAI, Anthropic, etc.) for chatbots, AI-generated content, sentiment analysis, predictive analytics, or process automation.

Real-world proof: Startups like My AskAI (AI support agent), Dyspute.ai (AI dispute resolution), and Faceless.video (AI-powered content creation) were built on Bubble and scaled to thousands of users and paying customers.

Bubble vs. Emerging AI Builders (Lovable, Replit, Glide)

Bubble isn’t the only player in the AI-building space, but its approach is different.

Bubble → Offers a full-stack visual programming environment—front-end, workflows, and database—augmented by AI. Crucially, once an app is generated,you can still refine and expand it visually, addressing the “Day 2” challenge of ongoing development.

  • Lovable & Replit → Focus more on AI-assisted code generation. These platforms can spit out raw code, but AI coding still requires coding. For most founders, Bubble’s no-code + AI approach is easier to learn and maintain.

  • Glide → Popular for spreadsheet-based mobile apps and includes AI features. Great for lightweight apps, but lacks Bubble’s depth for multi-tenant SaaS, complex workflows, or real-time dashboards.

In short: Bubble is miles ahead in AI-powered SaaS building, because it combines automation with customization and scalability.

Why Human-Led Product Thinking Still Matters

Even with AI, human judgment remains the backbone of successful SaaS.

  • The Day 1 vs Day 2 Dilemma → AI is great at “Day 1” (getting from 0 to 1), but the hard part is “Day 2”: maintaining, scaling, and iterating your SaaS. That still requires humans.

  • Strategic Vision → AI won’t define your value proposition, customer needs, or business model. That’s founder-led work.

  • Database Architecture & Security → AI can generate schemas, but multi-tenant SaaS needs careful human oversight for role-based access, privacy rules, and data separation.

  • UX & Feature Prioritization → AI can suggest layouts, but only humans can prioritize features, avoid bloat, and design intuitive flows that customers love.

  • Monetization & Growth → AI can’t decide pricing strategy, retention tactics, or GTM moves. That’s where founders win or lose.

  • Customer Feedback Loops → AI can’t empathize with users or pivot your roadmap—it’s human insight that turns feedback into product-market fit.

How AI Augments (Not Replaces) SaaS Building

Think of AI as your co-pilot, not your replacement.

  • Accelerated Setup → AI handles the repetitive setup: app scaffolding, UI layouts, data models.

  • Smarter Design Suggestions → AI proposes layouts, colors, and element placements that speed up prototyping.

  • Automation & Content → AI integrations bring in chatbots, smart copywriting, predictive analytics, or image recognition directly into your app.

  • Efficiency Gains → Routine tasks are automated, freeing humans to focus on strategy, UX, and business logic.

  • Lower Barriers → Non-technical founders can now prototype SaaS ideas at a level that used to require dev teams.

The takeaway: AI takes you from 0 to 1 faster—but going from 1 to 100 (scale, adoption, revenue) still depends on human-led design, architecture, and business strategy.

7. When to Transition from Bubble to Code

For many SaaS founders, Bubble is the fastest way to go from idea to traction. But there comes a point when you need to ask: is Bubble still the right home for my product, or is it time to transition to code?

This decision isn’t about abandoning no-code, it’s about recognizing where Bubble is strongest, and where custom code becomes strategically necessary.

Signs You’ve Outgrown Bubble

There are a few clear signals that suggest your SaaS may be ready to move beyond Bubble:

1. Performance & Scalability Limits

  • Complex Workflows & Heavy Calculations → Apps that require real-time data processing, algorithm-heavy operations, or multiplayer environments may hit Bubble’s limits.

  • High Traffic & Data Volume → At scale, response times can lag, especially for latency-sensitive apps (e.g., trading, gaming, live streaming).

  • Workload Costs → Bubble charges based on Workload Units (WU). At thousands of active users, costs can rival or exceed a coded solution optimized for efficiency.

2. Investor Pressure & Market Perception

  • Some investors view no-code apps as “MVP-only.” Even if Bubble powers billion-dollar workflows, perception still matters for credibility and valuation.

  • Transitioning to code can ease concerns about long-term scalability and technical defensibility.

3. Infrastructure or Feature Gaps

  • Advanced APIs & Custom Integrations → Some use cases (deep WebSockets, niche cloud infra, or proprietary tech) stretch Bubble beyond its comfort zone.

  • Custom UI/UX Needs → Bubble offers flexibility, but not infinite design freedom. If you need pixel-perfect control or specialized animations, code may be required.

  • Ownership & Vendor Lock-In → Bubble owns the underlying runtime. While you own your app, data, and content, you cannot export Bubble’s engine. For teams requiring full infrastructure control, code is the logical next step.

The bottom line: Transition once Bubble’s limitations hurt growth more than its speed helps it.

Clean Exit Strategy: Rebuilding Without Burning Time

Moving off Bubble doesn’t have to mean scrapping everything. There are two main approaches:

Progressive Migration (Step-by-Step)

  • How it works: Keep your Bubble app live while migrating critical features into custom code.

  • Tactics: Sync databases via APIs/webhooks, offload heavy computations to cloud functions, and progressively replace modules.

  • Benefits: No downtime, smoother user experience, real-time testing.

  • Drawbacks: Dual maintenance costs and potential sync complexity.

Complete Migration (Full Rebuild)

  • How it works: Recreate the entire product in code, then switch all users at once.

  • Benefits: Clean, optimized architecture from day one.

  • Drawbacks: Higher upfront costs and longer timelines before launch.

Best Practices for Migration

  • Plan strategically → Define priorities (scalability, costs, features).

  • Use modular architecture → Microservices and a scalable DB (e.g., PostgreSQL).

  • Sync carefully → REST or GraphQL APIs for clean data migration.

  • Test relentlessly → QA before switching users.

  • Bring expertise → Experienced engineers can cut risk and cost dramatically.

Bubble’s Role in the Long-Term Roadmap

Even if you outgrow Bubble for your main SaaS, it doesn’t mean Bubble is gone from your stack. In fact, it often becomes more valuable in supporting roles:

  • Hybrid SaaS → Keep your SaaS core in code while Bubble powers non-critical modules or admin dashboards. Companies like Dividend Finance did exactly this: processing billions in loans with Bubble as part of a larger system.

  • Internal Tools → Bubble is perfect for ops dashboards, workflow automation, and internal portals: places where speed of iteration matters more than performance ceilings.

  • MVPs & Experiments → Still the best platform for testing new product ideas quickly before investing in code.

  • AI Frontends → Bubble can serve as the user-facing layer for custom AI services running on external infrastructure.

  • Small-to-Midsize SaaS → Many apps (e.g., Messly, Comet) have scaled profitably and attracted investment while staying entirely on Bubble.

The smart move isn’t “Bubble or code.” It’s Bubble and code, working together where each is strongest.

Bubble SaaS Examples

Bubble has proven itself beyond hobby projects; many real SaaS companies run on it today. Some operate entirely on Bubble, while others use it as part of a hybrid stack. Below are case studies from both independent founders and professional studios like Goodspeed, showing how Bubble can scale, what works, and what pitfalls to avoid.

Case Studies

Messly (Locum Doctor Recruitment Platform)

  • What it is: Marketplace connecting UK hospitals with locum doctors.

  • What went right:

    • Grew to 25,000 registered doctors with a 4.8/5 Trustpilot rating.

    • Acquired by M3, a global physician network, and expanding globally—all on Bubble.

    • Founder taught himself Bubble after finding traditional dev “too slow and expensive.”

    • 12–20x faster feature delivery vs. previous dev team.

    • Scaled to mobile via BDK plugin with strong app store ratings.

    • Lean team: 4 FTEs.

  • What went wrong: Early investment burned on a slow traditional dev process before switching to Bubble.

Dividend Finance (FinTech Loan Platform)

  • What it is: National provider of solar and energy-efficiency financing solutions.

  • What went right:

    • Processed billions in loans, supporting tens of thousands of reps daily.

    • Raised hundreds of millions in equity financing.

    • MVP built in 6 weeks on Bubble after a failed 6-month coded attempt.

    • Weekly feature releases → super-responsive to customer needs.

    • Adopted hybrid model: some logic re-engineered in code, integrated via APIs.

  • What went wrong: Lost time and money on initial coded product with no usable outcome.

My AskAI (AI-Powered Customer Support)

  • What it is: AI assistant for customer support, trained on company data.

  • What went right:

    • Reached $25K MRR and 40K+ users with just two co-founders.

    • Built in ~6 weeks, with rapid iteration cycles.

    • Competitively priced (“10x cheaper” than alternatives).

    • Strong integrations with Zendesk, Intercom, HubSpot.

    • Future plans (extensions, new AI features) also on Bubble.

  • What went wrong: Co-founder’s past experience with dev teams felt slow/expensive → “No way I’d ever start in pure coding again.”

Freeholder (Property Management SaaS – by Goodspeed Studio)

  • What it is: SaaS for landlords and tenant communications.

  • What went right:

    • Delivered in <3 months.

    • ~10x cheaper vs. traditional dev.

    • Automated reminders, centralized documentation → saves landlords 10+ hrs/week.

    • Built-in tenant forum, messaging, smart calendar, admin dashboard.

  • What went wrong: Early landlord processes = scattered docs + poor communication → required Bubble rebuild to streamline.

Pickles (Veterinary Services SaaS – by Goodspeed Studio)

  • What it is: Internal tool for vets to manage appointments, billing, subscriptions.

  • What went right:

    • Rebuilt entirely on Bubble with a redesigned UI.

    • Automated Stripe + Covetrus integrations → cut hours of admin to minutes.

    • Refactored DB + modular workflows → scalable + faster.

  • What went wrong: Original platform suffered from slow calendar, messy payments, cluttered interface → Bubble fixed the inefficiencies.

Pockla (AdTech Startup – by Goodspeed Studio)

  • What it is: AI + creative strategy platform for marketers.

  • What went right:

    • Fast MVP → raised £1.6M seed.

    • Tight feedback loop with users (“Feedback came in fast, we responded faster”).

    • Integrated automations via n8n and SlackBot.

  • What went wrong: As a pre-product startup, had “no time to waste”—Bubble was the only way to launch fast.

What They Did Right (General Strengths)

  • Speed & Cost: Built MVPs in weeks, not months. Development ~10x cheaper.

  • Full-Stack in One: Bubble handled front-end, workflows, and database without separate stacks.

  • Scalable Enough: With optimization (and Enterprise servers), Bubble powered apps handling billions in transactions.

  • Integrations: API Connector allowed Stripe, OpenAI, Covetrus, and enterprise SSO integrations.

  • Hybrid Friendly: Dividend’s model shows you can mix Bubble with code for the best of both.

  • Internal Tools: Bubble excels at dashboards, automation, and operational tools that free up engineering resources.

  • IP Ownership: Businesses own their app’s content, workflows, and data. Bubble even promises open-source release if it ever shuts down.

Common Limitations (What Went Wrong)

  • Performance Ceiling: Heavy workflows, real-time systems, or very high traffic apps can hit scaling limits.

  • Workload Costs: Rapidly growing apps can rack up expensive WU bills.

  • Customization Limits: Not all UI/UX or niche feature requests can be done in Bubble.

  • Vendor Lock-In: No direct source code export → migration = rebuild.

  • Investor Perception: Some VCs prefer coded stacks for “credibility” and flexibility.

  • Outages: Bubble has had downtime incidents—risky for mission-critical apps.

  • Beyond MVP: Some see Bubble as “MVP only,” though case studies like Messly and Comet disprove this.

Bubble has grown far beyond its scrappy no-code origins. With millions of apps built, billions in venture funding raised by its users, and a rapidly expanding ecosystem, it’s no longer just a prototyping tool — it’s a serious SaaS contender. For founders who value speed, clarity, and ownership, it offers a direct path to building, validating, and scaling software without waiting on scarce engineering resources.

That said, success on Bubble doesn’t come from clicking together features blindly. The key is to build with intent:

  • Know the trade-offs: Bubble can get you to market faster and cheaper, but scaling efficiently requires understanding workload units, query design, and optimization.

  • Plan for scale; decide early whether your trajectory looks like:

    • going all-in on Bubble,

    • adopting a hybrid model (Bubble for the core product, code for specialized services), or

    • transitioning parts to custom code once you hit a certain level of traction.

  • Own the process: Leverage Bubble’s speed to stay close to your customers, iterate faster than competitors, and make intentional decisions about when (or if) engineering trade-offs require a shift.

In short: Bubble is not a shortcut; it’s a strategic tool. Used wisely, it gives founders a chance to focus less on “can we build this?” and more on “are we building the right thing?” And that’s where lasting SaaS companies are made.

Harish Malhi - founder of Goodspeed

Harish Malhi

Founder of Goodspeed

Harish Malhi is the founder of Goodspeed, one of the top-rated Bubble agencies globally and winner of Bubble’s Agency of the Year award in 2024. He left Google to launch his first app, Diaspo, built entirely on Bubble, which gained press coverage from the BBC, TechCrunch, and others. Since then, he has helped ship over 200 products using Bubble and AI, from internal tools to full-scale SaaS platforms. Harish now leads a team that helps founders and operators replace clunky workflows with fast, flexible software without writing a line of code.

Can you build a real SaaS business on Bubble?
Yes. Examples like Messly, Dividend Finance, and My AskAI show it’s possible at scale.

Is Bubble scalable enough for enterprise SaaS?
With optimization and Enterprise plans (isolated servers), yes—though compute-heavy apps may need a hybrid approach.

Do I own the IP of my Bubble app?
Yes. You own your content, design, workflows, and data. Bubble owns the underlying platform code.

What are the limitations of Bubble for SaaS?
Performance at scale, workload costs, lack of deep customizations, vendor lock-in, and outages.

How much does it cost to build SaaS on Bubble?
MVPs can be 10x cheaper vs code—sometimes <$10K for a launch-ready product.

When should I transition from Bubble to custom code?
When scale, performance, or investor push makes Bubble’s limits outweigh its benefits.

What’s the best platform for B2B SaaS?
Bubble for rapid MVP and early traction; hybrid or full code for scale.

How secure is SaaS built on Bubble?
SOC 2 Type II, GDPR, SSL, 2FA, custom privacy rules—secure enough for enterprise use.

Can Bubble handle AI-powered SaaS features?
Yes. My AskAI and Pockla show how easily Bubble connects to OpenAI, embeddings, and external AI services.

What are examples of successful SaaS built with Bubble?
Messly, Dividend Finance, My AskAI, Freeholder, Pickles, Pockla, Comet, Qoins, Teal HQ.

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Harish Malhi - founder of Goodspeed

Harish Malhi

Portrait of someone holding a phone with a graph visible on the screen
Portrait of someone holding a phone with a graph visible on the screen

Bubble

Tag

Aug 1, 2025

How to Hire the Best Bubble Developers in 2025 (based on 200+ interviews)
Harish Malhi - founder of Goodspeed

Harish Malhi

Graphic with the text: Build AI powered Apps in No Code
Graphic with the text: Build AI powered Apps in No Code

Bubble

Tag

Aug 27, 2025

The Most Comprehensive Guide to AI-Powered Bubble Apps (2025)
Harish Malhi - founder of Goodspeed

Harish Malhi

Bubble

Tag

Aug 14, 2025

Top 5 Bubble Agencies for AI-powered Apps in 2025
Harish Malhi - founder of Goodspeed

Harish Malhi

Graphic with the text "Bubble.io Review"
Graphic with the text "Bubble.io Review"

Bubble

Tag

Aug 1, 2025

Bubble Pros and Cons : An Honest Bubble.io Review After Building 200+ Apps
Harish Malhi - founder of Goodspeed

Harish Malhi

An array of attractive bubble apps highlighted by bright colors and appealing layouts
An array of attractive bubble apps highlighted by bright colors and appealing layouts

Bubble

Tag

Apr 14, 2025

40 Most Beautiful Bubble Apps in 2025
Harish Malhi - founder of Goodspeed

Harish Malhi

Graphic of a mobile phone showing 2023 PREDICTIONS
Graphic of a mobile phone showing 2023 PREDICTIONS

AI

Tag

Dec 29, 2022

No-Code Experts Predict What Will Happen In 2023
Harish Malhi - founder of Goodspeed

Harish Malhi

Graphic with the text: What Can You Build With Bubble?
Graphic with the text: What Can You Build With Bubble?

Bubble

Tag

Dec 29, 2022

What Can You Build With Bubble?
Harish Malhi - founder of Goodspeed

Harish Malhi

Illustration of a robot pushing a shopping cart, showcasing a blend of technology and commerce
Illustration of a robot pushing a shopping cart, showcasing a blend of technology and commerce

AI

Tag

Mar 17, 2023

Maximising the Impact of AI on E-commerce Marketing
Harish Malhi - founder of Goodspeed

Harish Malhi

Illustration of two individuals anext to a computer showing different items on the screen
Illustration of two individuals anext to a computer showing different items on the screen

AI

Tag

Mar 16, 2023

Personalizing the Customer Experience with AI: Best Practices for Retailers
Harish Malhi - founder of Goodspeed

Harish Malhi

Illustration of a computer screen displaying an image of a modern building
Illustration of a computer screen displaying an image of a modern building

AI

Tag

Mar 15, 2023

How to Use AI in Real Estate: Strategies for Success using AI
Harish Malhi - founder of Goodspeed

Harish Malhi

Screenshot of a website featuring the heading "No Code Glossary"
Screenshot of a website featuring the heading "No Code Glossary"

Framer

Tag

Mar 13, 2024

How Can a SEO Glossary Improve the Visibility of Your Content?
Harish Malhi - founder of Goodspeed

Harish Malhi

Screenshot thumbnail comparing Bubble and Thunkable platforms for app development
Screenshot thumbnail comparing Bubble and Thunkable platforms for app development

Bubble

Tag

Apr 15, 2025

Bubble vs. Thunkable: A Comprehensive Comparison of No-Code App Development Platforms
Harish Malhi - founder of Goodspeed

Harish Malhi

Screenshot of HotelBlog homepage
Screenshot of HotelBlog homepage

Framer

Tag

Mar 13, 2024

Elevate Your Design Blog with the HotelBlog Framer Template
Harish Malhi - founder of Goodspeed

Harish Malhi

Screenshot of Doks homepage, a Framer template for documentation
Screenshot of Doks homepage, a Framer template for documentation

Framer

Tag

Mar 13, 2024

Streamline Your SaaS Documentation with the Doks Framer Template
Harish Malhi - founder of Goodspeed

Harish Malhi

Graphic showing "The ROI of a Custom Job Board: How Bubble Can Boost Your Recruitment Efforts"
Graphic showing "The ROI of a Custom Job Board: How Bubble Can Boost Your Recruitment Efforts"

Bubble

Tag

Jul 11, 2024

The ROI of a Custom Job Board: How Bubble Can Boost Your Recruitment Efforts
Harish Malhi - founder of Goodspeed

Harish Malhi

Graphic showing "How to Implement a Seamless Payment Processing Solution for Your Marketplace"
Graphic showing "How to Implement a Seamless Payment Processing Solution for Your Marketplace"

Bubble

Tag

Jun 21, 2024

From Bubble to Reality: How to Implement a Seamless Payment Processing Solution for Your Marketplace
Harish Malhi - founder of Goodspeed

Harish Malhi

Graphic showing "Export from Wordpress to Framer"
Graphic showing "Export from Wordpress to Framer"

Framer

Tag

Apr 10, 2024

How to Export Content from WordPress to Framer: A Comprehensive Guide
Harish Malhi - founder of Goodspeed

Harish Malhi

Homepage screenshot of Designy, a modern and stylish Framer template
Homepage screenshot of Designy, a modern and stylish Framer template

Framer

Tag

Sep 25, 2024

Designy Customization Mastery: Crafting Unique Design Agency Sites
Harish Malhi - founder of Goodspeed

Harish Malhi

Homepage screenshot of D-Next, a cutting-edge event & conference Framer template
Homepage screenshot of D-Next, a cutting-edge event & conference Framer template

Framer

Tag

Sep 25, 2024

D-Next Features Explored: Customizing Your Event Website
Harish Malhi - founder of Goodspeed

Harish Malhi

Homepage screenshot of CryptoVault, Framer template for Crypto and Web3
Homepage screenshot of CryptoVault, Framer template for Crypto and Web3

Framer

Tag

Sep 25, 2024

CryptoVault Customization: Tailoring Your Blockchain Platform
Harish Malhi - founder of Goodspeed

Harish Malhi

Homepage screenshot of Justica, Framer template designed for legal professionals
Homepage screenshot of Justica, Framer template designed for legal professionals

Framer

Tag

Sep 26, 2024

Justica: Elevating Your Law Firm's Online Presence
Harish Malhi - founder of Goodspeed

Harish Malhi

Homepage screenshot of HairLoom, Framer template for hair salons and barber shops
Homepage screenshot of HairLoom, Framer template for hair salons and barber shops

Framer

Tag

Sep 26, 2024

HairLoom Customization: Styling Your Beauty Business Website
Harish Malhi - founder of Goodspeed

Harish Malhi

Get in touch

Ready to Build Smarter?

Explore how we can turn your idea into a scalable product fast with low-code, AI, and a battle-tested process.


Don't need a call? Email harish@goodspeed.studio

We’ve created products featured in

Get in touch

Ready to Build Smarter?

Explore how we can turn your idea into a scalable product fast with low-code, AI, and a battle-tested process.


Don't need a call? Email harish@goodspeed.studio

We’ve created products featured in

Get in touch

Ready to Build Smarter?

Explore how we can turn your idea into a scalable product fast with low-code, AI, and a battle-tested process.


Don't need a call? Email harish@goodspeed.studio

We’ve created products featured in

Logo

Goodspeed is a top-rated no-code/low-code and Bubble agency with 200+ custom internal tools and SaaS products delivered. Our team combines product strategy, AI, and Bubble to build clean, scalable software fast and at a fraction of the cost.

Logo

Goodspeed is a top-rated no-code/low-code and Bubble agency with 200+ custom internal tools and SaaS products delivered. Our team combines product strategy, AI, and Bubble to build clean, scalable software fast and at a fraction of the cost.

Logo

Goodspeed is a top-rated no-code/low-code and Bubble agency with 200+ custom internal tools and SaaS products delivered. Our team combines product strategy, AI, and Bubble to build clean, scalable software fast and at a fraction of the cost.