August 2023 Summaries

### No-code platforms like Bubble are changing the way large companies approach software development by offering faster, more efficient, and cost-effective solutions that can be customized to meet specific business needs without requiring extensive coding expertise or significant upfront investment. These platforms provide pre-built components, intuitive visual environments, and easy integration with existing systems, allowing businesses to focus on crafting innovative solutions rather than getting bogged down in technical details. With no-code, companies can launch solutions quickly, test and iterate rapidly, and pivot as needed without being held back by traditional software development challenges such as sunk costs, long development timelines, and complicated integrations.

Athena, a company headquartered in San Juan, Puerto Rico, connects clients with executive assistants (EAs) and customizes services by leveraging no-code platforms like Bubble to build tailored software solutions. Faced with the high costs and inflexibility of off-the-shelf systems, Athena chose Bubble to create a Human Resources Information System (HRIS) that meets its unique needs, resulting in significant cost savings and efficiency improvements. A single engineer developed the entire HRIS and additional applications within a year, enabling Athena to streamline operations such as employee management and client-EA matching. This approach also allowed non-technical staff to engage in software development, demonstrating the accessibility of no-code platforms. Athena's use of Bubble has facilitated experimentation with AI and further integration across its technology stack, underscoring the platform's flexibility and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional enterprise resource planning systems.

Here's a neutral and interesting summary of the text in one paragraph: Building an AI chatbot without writing code is now possible, thanks to Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service and Bubble's visual web editor. The process starts with creating a free Bubble account, then using the Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service Chatbot Template, which comes pre-configured with an input box and submit button for sending requests to the chatbot, as well as a repeating group to display the chatbot's responses. By deploying a large language model through Azure OpenAI Service and connecting it to the Bubble app, users can create a functional chatbot without any coding knowledge. The template provides a simple interface for customizing the look and feel of the chatbot, and users can expand on its features by adding plugins or fine-tuning the model with their own data. With a paid Bubble plan, users can launch their app live for external users and host it on their own custom domain.

Monica Yoon, a recruiter on Bubble's People Ops team, joined the company in 2021 and helps make hiring smooth for both hiring managers and job candidates. She graduated from Georgetown University with a marketing degree in 2020, initially aiming for an entry-level marketing position but found herself navigating a troubled job market and exploring other career fields like music publicity and PR work before landing in recruiting. At Bubble, Monica finds rewarding autonomy to make meaningful contributions, execute on projects, and feel entrusted to take action, as well as memorable team gatherings that showcase the unique personalities of her colleagues. She attributes her success to a mindset of being bold and advocating for herself, often referred to by the phrase "the worst that they can say is no," which boosts confidence and minimizes regret.

We're excited to announce the sixth cohort of Bubble Immerse Founders in Residence, a fully funded pre-accelerator program for underrepresented founders with incredible product visions. This milestone is significant as it's the first cohort composed entirely of women and femme-identified founders, addressing the severe lack of access to resources and funding for female founders in the tech world. The cohort is filled with inspiring women who have innovative ideas and a passion for making a difference, and they will be equipped with the skills to build robust web apps through the Immerse pre-accelerator program. The program's goal is to bridge the gap between non-traditional founders and provide them with the tools necessary to thrive in the industry. We're thrilled to share their stories and can't wait to see the incredible products they create, as one of our instructors, Kelly Claus, says that there's nothing more exciting than realizing you can build your ideas yourself and actually doing it. The cohort members are incredible, and we're proud to be a part of Bubble's effort to lift up women in this space. The Immerse program concludes with Demo Day, where the standout members will present their businesses before a panel of judges, both live and virtually for the first time ever, on October 24-25, 2023.