In a significant development for the Indian startup ecosystem, Surat-based Rocket.new has successfully raised $15 million in seed funding, marking a pivotal moment for the company and its innovative approach to application development. The funding round was led by Salesforce Ventures, with notable participation from Accel and Together Fund. This investment comes just three months after Rocket.new’s beta launch in June 2025, showcasing the rapid growth and interest in its unique offering.
Rocket.new is not just another tech startup; it is pioneering a concept known as “vibe coding.” This term encapsulates the company’s mission to simplify the app development process by allowing users to generate production-ready applications directly from natural language prompts. This approach stands in stark contrast to traditional coding methods, which often require extensive technical knowledge and experience. By leveraging artificial intelligence, Rocket.new aims to democratize app development, making it accessible to a broader audience, including those without a technical background.
Since its inception, Rocket.new has attracted an impressive user base, boasting over 400,000 users across 180 countries. Among these users are 10,000 paying customers, a testament to the platform’s value proposition. The company has reported an annual recurring revenue (ARR) of $4.5 million, with ambitious targets set for the future. By the end of 2025, Rocket.new aims to achieve an ARR of $20–25 million, and by mid-2026, it is targeting $60–70 million. These projections reflect the founders’ confidence in their product and the growing demand for efficient app development solutions.
The founders of Rocket.new—Vishal Virani, Rahul Shingala, and Deepak Dhanak—previously ran DhiWise, a developer workflow startup. Their experience in the tech industry has equipped them with the insights necessary to identify gaps in the market and create a solution that addresses these needs. The trio describes Rocket.new as more than just a tool for creating prototypes; it is a comprehensive platform designed to facilitate full-scale app development, conduct product research, and even manage aspects of product management.
Despite being only 16 weeks old, Rocket.new has already made waves in the tech community. The platform has been utilized to create over half a million applications, with approximately 80% of these categorized as serious use cases. These applications span various sectors, including e-commerce, fintech, and B2B tools, indicating the platform’s versatility and appeal to a wide range of industries. Early adopters include teams from major corporations such as Meta, PayPal, PwC, and Times Internet, further validating the platform’s effectiveness and potential.
One of the standout features of Rocket.new is its integration of advanced AI models from industry leaders like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google’s Gemini. This integration allows the platform to deliver high-quality outputs, although it does come with a trade-off in terms of speed. Generating the first application takes approximately 25 minutes, which is longer than some competitors. However, the comprehensive nature of the output makes this wait worthwhile, as users receive a more robust and functional application.
The startup operates on a subscription model, with plans starting at $25 per month. This pricing strategy not only makes the platform accessible to individual developers and small businesses but also ensures a steady revenue stream for the company. With gross margins reported at 50–55%, Rocket.new is well-positioned for sustainable growth as it scales its operations.
As the demand for no-code and low-code solutions continues to rise, Rocket.new is tapping into a burgeoning market. The global no-code development platform market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by the increasing need for rapid application development and the shortage of skilled developers. By positioning itself as a leader in this space, Rocket.new is poised to capture a substantial share of the market.
The concept of vibe coding is particularly relevant in today’s fast-paced business environment, where agility and speed are paramount. Companies are increasingly looking for ways to streamline their development processes and reduce time-to-market for new products. Rocket.new’s platform addresses this need by enabling users to quickly turn ideas into functional applications without the steep learning curve associated with traditional coding.
Moreover, the platform’s focus on serious use cases highlights its potential impact on various industries. For instance, in the e-commerce sector, businesses can leverage Rocket.new to create tailored applications that enhance customer experiences and drive sales. In fintech, the ability to rapidly develop and deploy applications can lead to innovative financial solutions that meet the evolving needs of consumers. Similarly, B2B companies can benefit from customized tools that improve operational efficiency and collaboration.
The founders of Rocket.new are not only focused on building a successful business; they are also committed to fostering a community of creators. By providing resources, tutorials, and support, they aim to empower users to maximize the potential of the platform. This community-driven approach aligns with the broader trend of collaborative innovation, where users contribute to the development and improvement of tools and technologies.
Looking ahead, Rocket.new faces several challenges as it seeks to scale its operations and achieve its ambitious growth targets. Competition in the no-code and low-code space is intensifying, with numerous startups and established companies vying for market share. To maintain its competitive edge, Rocket.new will need to continuously innovate and enhance its platform, ensuring that it meets the evolving needs of its users.
Additionally, as the company grows, it will need to navigate the complexities of scaling its infrastructure and support systems. Ensuring a seamless user experience will be crucial in retaining existing customers and attracting new ones. The founders recognize the importance of building a robust support framework that can handle the demands of a rapidly expanding user base.
In conclusion, Rocket.new represents a promising addition to the Indian startup landscape, combining cutting-edge technology with a user-centric approach to app development. With its recent funding success and a clear vision for the future, the company is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the world of application development. As it continues to evolve and adapt to the changing market dynamics, Rocket.new could very well redefine how applications are built, paving the way for a new era of innovation and creativity in the tech industry. The journey ahead is undoubtedly exciting, and all eyes will be on Rocket.new as it strives to achieve its goals and transform the way we think about coding and application development.