Launching Startups in Weeks: LATAM’s AI and No-Code Revolution

Only a few years ago, building a tech startup could take months, or even years, before reaching the market. Today, thanks to artificial intelligence (AI) and no-code development tools, that timeline has been cut dramatically. According to Forrester Research, AI-driven platforms can reduce development time by up to 70%, opening a new chapter for entrepreneurs in Latin America.

The rise of AI-powered startups in Latin America

The Inter-American Development Bank reports that the number of startups using AI in Latin America grew by 30% in the past year, with Brazil, Mexico, and Peru emerging as the most active markets.

In Peru, the startup ecosystem has shown remarkable growth. Data from the Ministry of Production (Produce) reveals that the number of registered tech startups has doubled over the past three years, with many of them integrating AI solutions to compete internationally in fintech, online education, and e-commerce.

“Years ago, a founder needed a technical team and significant seed capital to get started. Today, with AI and no-code, you can launch with 80% lower costs and validate within weeks. I’ve seen projects landing their first 15 or 20 clients in less than a month, something that used to take years,” said Juan Luis Auccatoma, founder of Whaticket, a SaaS platform for customer service and sales through WhatsApp.

The no-code and AI revolution

Building a digital product no longer requires months of coding or large technical teams. Platforms like Lovable, Bubble, and Glide allow entrepreneurs to create applications without writing a single line of code, while AI speeds up processes such as content creation, design, data analysis, and customer support.

Some success stories already highlight the potential of this trend:

• DoNotPay (U.S.): a legal chatbot that automates claims and simple processes.
• Maverick (U.S.): a platform generating personalized marketing videos with AI.
• Nuvemshop (Brazil): integrated AI into its e-commerce system to help SMEs create catalogs and campaigns in minutes.
• Hunty (Colombia): connected talent with tech companies and built its first version on Bubble, validating customers and raising capital within months.

Still, experts warn that these tools are not a shortcut to scaling. “AI helps validate, not scale. Sustainable growth requires a solid tech foundation and a team capable of evolving the product,” Auccatoma noted, now also an angel investor in software startups.

A quick guide to validating an idea with AI in under a month

For entrepreneurs eager to test ideas quickly, combining no-code and AI can be a game-changer. Here’s how to approach it:

1. Define a real problem: interview at least 10 potential customers before building.
2. Build a prototype with No-Code + AI: use tools like Lovable, Bubble, or Glide.
3. Add AI features that create immediate value: assistants, content generation, or data analysis.
4. Get your first paying users: focus on customers willing to pay, even small amounts.
5. Measure and adjust fast: test scalability, correct flaws, and ensure your infrastructure can support more clients.

The combination of AI and no-code tools is opening a unique window for entrepreneurs in Peru and across Latin America. By lowering costs and speeding up validation, this new approach could fuel the creation of profitable and sustainable startups in the region at an unprecedented pace.