Exten AI Helps Non-Coders Build Software With AI

South African startup Exten AI is giving non-technical entrepreneurs a way to turn software ideas into working applications using everyday language rather than code.

Launched earlier this year by Luncedo Simelane, the platform converts natural-language instructions into production-ready applications while also building the infrastructure needed to run them. This includes an isolated database, file storage, user authentication and the computing environment required to run AI agents.

Simelane describes Exten AI as a digital technology partner for entrepreneurs who have an idea for a software product but lack the technical skills to build it.

Tackling the Software “Plumbing” Problem

Simelane taught himself to code before leaving his LLB studies to focus on software architecture. He says his experience led him to identify technology infrastructure as one of the major barriers facing African entrepreneurs trying to build digital products.

While many AI coding platforms help developers generate code or create application interfaces, Simelane says they do not always address the infrastructure required to take an application from an idea to a functioning product.

Exten AI is designed to handle those technical requirements automatically, including database configuration, backend systems, authentication and deployment.

The startup positions itself between simple AI-powered frontend builders and enterprise low-code platforms such as Microsoft Power Apps, which Simelane says can be expensive and less flexible for smaller businesses and emerging-market entrepreneurs.

Early Users Have Built Live Applications

Exten AI is currently bootstrapped and has moved through an initial public release into a closed testing phase. The first release attracted more than 100 sign-ups, with demand quickly putting pressure on the startup's initial server capacity. Early users have already built and launched applications including LedgerAI, an accounting automation tool; EduAgent, designed to assist teachers with lesson planning; and LuminaAI, a customised communications dashboard.

The company is also preparing a pilot with the University of Fort Hare's Centre of Entrepreneurship and Rapid Incubator, where student founders will use the platform to develop minimum viable products for their businesses.

Building a Business Around AI-Generated Apps

Exten AI operates on a tiered software-as-a-service subscription model. Users can generate and test applications without paying upfront, while applications that go live are charged through a monthly subscription.

Pricing is linked to factors such as server usage, database storage and AI agent activity. Simelane said the company has kept early revenue limited while it works on its infrastructure and unit economics.

Handling multiple users building applications simultaneously has been one of the company's biggest technical challenges. Exten AI had to redesign parts of its architecture after simultaneous AI-generated builds created infrastructure queues. The company says it has since worked to separate and streamline the automated build process.

Exten AI Raises for Expansion

Exten AI is now seeking ZAR1.5 million (about US$90,000) to expand its server infrastructure and support thousands of concurrent application builds.

The startup is currently targeting South African SMEs and solo founders, with plans to take the platform into technology hubs and university incubators across Sub-Saharan Africa.