Image Credits: Sutro

AI is already transforming the way we search, gather information, create, code, decipher data, and more, and now it may democratize the process of building an app, too. A new AI-powered startup called Sutro promises the ability to build entire production-ready apps — including those for web, iOS, and Android — in a matter of minutes, with no coding experience required.

The idea is to allow founders to focus on their unique ideas by leaning on Sutro to automate other aspects of app building, including the necessary AI expertise, product management and design, hosting, use of domain-specific languages, compiling, and scaling.

The company was founded in late 2021 by Tomas Halgas, who sold his previous startup, the group chat app Sphere, to Twitter, alongside former Google and Facebook Product Manager Owen Campbell-Moore. The two have taken turns running the company, with Campbell-Moore at the head while Halgas worked at Twitter in its chaotic days leading up to Elon Musk’s takeover. Now, with Halgas having departed Twitter, he’s acting as CEO as Campbell-Moore has shifted to a day job at OpenAI.

Halgas, whose background is in machine learning and compilers, imagines Sutro as something that functions as your entire product team — something that would allow app building to become as simple as creating a website.

“Since university, we’ve always talked about how antiquated the craft of software engineering is,” Halgas tells TechCrunch. “We spent so much time thinking and working on technical minutiae, rather than thinking about what would make a technical product unique.”

For example, when starting a new project, Halgas says developers have to spend days figuring out things like infrastructure, authentication, security, and other “data plumbing” before they can actually begin working on their idea.

“It’s completely insane — there has to be a way to basically automate all the stuff that’s common,” he had thought to himself.

Image Credits: Sutro

At the same time, the founders were watching the developments of GPT with interest, realizing that something transformative was coming our way, that would be part of the future. They imagined building a platform that could stand in as your product managers, marketers, engineers, and data scientists, where you could present your idea and your target market and the team would get to work mocking up a product, tweaking the design, deploying the servers, patching the vulnerabilities, getting the analytics working, and then scaling its seamlessly as it grows.

AI, however, is not yet capable of doing all the heavy lifting here, especially when you’re looking at building an app, which may include tens of thousands of lines of code. So Sutro instead combines the best of AI — GPT-4 and other LLMs to build the web, mobile, and backend of apps —  with the best of rule-based compilers. On the AI side, most of the work is handled via GPT, though the team has also tapped into open source models in some areas.

Then, on the compiler side, they’ve built proprietary technology that allows you to begin the process of app development via a prompt, where you describe the product you want to make.

After prompting, Sutro will then apply its LLM-powered AI to generate your iOS, Android, and web clients and sets up the production backend. There’s also a studio toolkit where you have abilities to change things to meet your needs, including the visual style and other aspects of the app’s function and design. Customers can either access the product themselves in a self-serve mode, or they can work in tandem with Sutro’s team to develop their apps. When the project is complete, users can publish the app and continue to edit, maintain, and upgrade it as needed.

“What I’d like to highlight is that this is not just another no-code platform,” notes Halgas. “In a no-code platform, you usually come in and you drag and drop something, and it’s still very low level. It’s still a lot of work to get anything working. We are much more like your entire development or your entire product team rather than another no-code tool,” he says.

That is, users can make high-level changes without much effort. For example, you could ask the product to add ratings to posts in an app and Sutro is then able to know where it needs to add the ratings feature, introduce a ranking algorithm, or perform aggregation of those ratings, Halgas explains. Users can also enter their own custom code, custom components, and custom integrations.

The company has a demo where they build a basic version of Pinterest in about 60 seconds. (See below)

Because Sutro is handling the hosting and all the work under the hood of app building, the company charges its customers on a subscription basis, depending on the size and complexity of the project and how difficult it is to maintain. The startup isn’t yet ready to disclose its pricing, which is currently being discussed with vetted customers in private, but notes that it’s “a fraction” of hiring a development team.

Currently, Sutro is being used by 715 makers who have now built 934 apps using its system.

A small team based in London and San Francisco, Sutro includes those with engineering backgrounds from Uber, Twitter, Meta, and Google. The company this week has published its new landing page, and is now open to requests for access from interested parties.

Sutro previously raised $2.2 million from Eniac Ventures and other angel investors, including Peter Welinder, VP of Product and Partnerships at OpenAI.

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Luz Pena: “How much do you pay for these things?”
Angel Sanchez: “$7 for that. I sell it for $9.”

Angel buys his merchandise at the flea market and slightly marks up the price. He’s making between .50 cents to $2 per item.

Angel says he would never steal. He buys everything he sells, though he doesn’t ask where the items come from. With his profits he pays the bills, and the rest he sends to his kids in Mexico. One is going to college and the other one is in high school. Lately he says business has been difficult.

Luz Pena: “Two years ago, how many vendors were out here?”
Angel Sanchez: “Eramos as 6.” (We used to be about 6)
Luz Pena: “Now?”
Angel Sanchez: “20”

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Susana Rojas Executive Director of Calle 24’s Cultural District says many of the new vendors are coming from the Tenderloin following the state of emergency declaration in that neighborhood.

“I think they are coming from the United Plaza in the Tenderloin because they are being very strict,” said Rojas and added, “It is getting worse. Unfortunately, as things have been happening in other parts of the city, then people get desperate and they start moving around trying to find a place to be able to either set-up a tent to sleep or a tent to sale some supplies.”

Watching everything from afar is Diana Medina. She’s opened Diju Jewelry 14 years ago. She used to be a street vendor and understands the struggle. Medina wants street vendors to have a permit.

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Many street vendors we spoke to say they want a permit.

Rojas and her team are signing up vendors like Angel to a program introduced by Supervisor Hillary Ronen that will require street vendors to have permits starting next month.

“After May 7, if someone cannot prove where their items come from, they are going to be confiscated and asked to move,” said Rojas.

Rojas says it will be complicated for many vendors to reproduce proof of purchase even though they are paying for items.

“The problem is that they do go to the flea market. They get them legally, but they don’t give them any receipts. When they come over here, they won’t be able to prove where they get their items from,” said Rojas.

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More than 20 vendors have signed up for the program so far.

Rojas says the plan is to continue registering vendors to the program and assign them specific areas from Cesar Chavez to 24th street. Rojas says the city still doesn’t know how much, if anything, they will charge these vendors to set-up shop.

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On Thursday, August 12, 2021, the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) published an order strengthening the COVID-19 safety requirements applicable to many business establishments and even spaces in the City and County of San Francisco (the “Order”).  As outlined below, the Order requires significant new vaccine mandates for San Francisco businesses operating (1) Indoor Food and Drink and Fitness Facilities; (2) Large Outdoor and Indoor Events; and (3) High Risk Care or Living Settings and Other Health Care Facilities.

Requirements for Indoor Food and Drink and Fitness Facilities

Proof of Full Vaccination Requirement for Patrons

As of August 20, 2021 individuals 12 and older, must provide proof of full vaccination (meaning, two weeks after completing the entire recommended series of an FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccination) for entry into the following indoor establishments in the City and County of San Francisco:

• Establishments where food or drink are served indoors, including, but not limited to, dining establishments (i.e., restaurants), bars, clubs, theaters, and entertainment venues; and

• Gyms, recreation facilities, yoga studios, dance studios, and other fitness establishments where any patrons engage in cardiovascular aerobic strength training, or other exercise involving elevated breathing.

Vaccination requirements do not apply to religious ceremonies where food and drinks are served or to fitness and activities that are part of K-12 school or youth programs.

Individuals who do not provide proof of full vaccination may continue to use outdoor portions of covered establishments and may come indoors to use the restroom, provided they are wearing a well-fitted mask, which does not include scarfs, ski masks, balaclavas, bandanas, or any other single layer fabric.

Proof of Full Vaccination Requirements for Staff

By October 13, 2021, the above establishments must ensure all staff who routinely work onsite provide proof of full vaccination before entering or working in any indoor portion of the facility.  Between August 20 and October 13, 2021, the above establishments must use their “best efforts” to ascertain the vaccination status of all staff who routinely work on site.  The City has provided a form which employers can use for this purpose.

Proof of full vaccination is required at the above establishments regardless of capacity or the number of patrons.  However, proof of vaccination requirements for patrons and staff of food and drink establishments do not apply to establishments that only function for takeout or delivery.

The above requirements are subject to accommodation requirements and continuing obligations under federal, state, and local law.

Requirements for Large Outdoor and Indoor Events

Vaccination Requirements for Indoor Mega Events and Large Indoor Events

Beginning August 20, 2021, Large Indoor Events and indoor Mega Events must require proof of full vaccination for all attendees 12 and over, per the above proof of full vaccination requirements.  Beginning October 13, 2021, Large Indoor Events and indoor Mega Events must also require proof of full vaccination for all staff, per the above proof of full vaccination requirements.  Similarly to indoor food and drink and fitness facilities, personal attestation that a person is vaccinated, whether oral or written, without one of the above types of full vaccination proof, is not an acceptable form of vaccination proof for Large Indoor Events and indoor Mega Events.  Proof of vaccination for both attendees and staff is recommended, but not required, for indoor events with fewer than 1000 attendees where food and drink is not sold and for all outdoor events.

The term “staff” in relation to Mega Events and Large Indoor Event requirements, does not include performers, players, or other visiting individuals who are not employed by the operator of the event, for instance, visiting teams and independent performers.  Therefore, proof of vaccination, while recommended, is not required to these non-staff workers.  Instead, these non-staff workers must remain six feet away from the public at all times, provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of the event, wear a mask at all times not performing, and remain away from areas where food or drink is served indoors.

Again, the above requirements are subject to accommodation requirements and continuing obligations under federal, state, and local law.

Planning Requirements for Large Outdoor and Indoor Events

The Order also requires operators of outdoor or indoor “Mega Events” and “Large Indoor Events” to submit a proposed plan to the San Francisco Health Officer (HealthPlan@sfcityatty.org), detailing the procedures to be implemented to minimize the risk of transmission among patrons and personnel.  A “Mega Event” is any outdoor event with more than 10,000 people, or any indoor event with more than 5,000 people, in attendance.  A “Large Indoor Event” is one with 1,000 – 4,999 people in attendance.  Proposed plans must be submitted by email at least 10 business days prior to the event or the date tickets will be sold, whichever is earlier.  If tickets were already sold prior to August 12, 2021, a plan must be submitted by September 11, 2021 or 48 hours before the event, whichever is earlier.  Proposed plans must include the following information:

• Event details including the event’s date, time, expected capacity, location, and type of event;

• Contact name for the event (i.e., a person who can be reached in the event of an outbreak and/or who can be contacted to discuss the proposed plan);

• An explanation of how the host or organizer will have attendees meet requirements for providing their vaccination status;

• An explanation of how the host or organizer will communicate to attendees:

  • Information regarding full vaccination requirements (indoor Mega Events and Large Indoor Events) and recommendations (outdoor Mega Events); and

  • The safety measures being taken;

• If the event is being held indoors, an explanation of how the host or organizer will adhere to the Face Covering Requirements and Appendix A of this Order; and

• A description of the strategies that will be implemented to avoid stagnant crowds (including traffic flow, advanced ticketing, touchless payment, etc.).

Requirements for Personnel in High Risk Settings and Other Health Care Settings

The Order also includes vaccination and record keeping requirements for Personnel in High Risk Settings and other health care settings.  High Risk Settings is defined as care and living settings involving many people, including many congregate settings, where vulnerable populations reside out of necessity.  For instance, High Risk Setting includes acute care hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities, residential care facilities for the elderly, homeless shelters, and jails.  Personnel in other health care settings covered by these requirements include, those working in adult care facilities, adult day programs, dental offices, and those who are home health care workers and pharmacists.  “Personnel” means employees, contractors, subcontractors, independent contractors, vendors, volunteers, individuals who regularly provide services onsite, and “gig workers” who work via an app or online interface.

Specifically, business and entities with Personnel in High Risk Settings and other health care settings in the City of San Francisco must:

• By September 15, 2021, ascertain the vaccination status of all Personnel in High Risk Settings and ensure that all Personnel who routinely work onsite and are not subject to any exceptions are fully vaccinated before such Personnel enter the High Risk Setting.

• By October 13, 2021, ensure that all employees who work in High Risk Settings are fully vaccinated, unless otherwise subject to an exception.

• By October 13, 2021, ensure that all employees who work in other health care settings (adult care facilities, adult day programs, dental offices, and those who are home health care workers and pharmacists) are fully vaccinated, unless otherwise subject to an exception.

Vaccination Exceptions for Personnel in High Risk Settings and Other Health Care Settings

Personnel may be exempted from the above full vaccination requirements by submitting a declination form signed under penalty of perjury for any of the following reasons:

• The individual is declining vaccination based on a sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance; or

• The individual is not receiving a COVID-19 vaccine due to a Qualifying Medical Reason, evidenced by a signed statement from a physician, nurse practitioner, or other licensed medical professional practicing under the license of a physician stating that the individual qualifies for the exemption and indicating the estimated duration of the individual’s inability to receive a vaccine.

Exempted Personnel are required to get weekly or twice weekly COVID-19 tests (depending on the type of High Risk Setting or other health care setting in which they work) and wear a face covering compliant with prior requirements for workers in High Risk Settings at all times at their worksite.

Record Keeping Requirements

Businesses and entities operating High Risk Settings and other health care settings must maintain the following records:

• Records of Personnel vaccination and exemption status, which must be provided to public health authorities within one business day of any request;

• Full name, date of birth, vaccine manufacturer, and date of vaccination administration for first and, if applicable, second dose for all fully vaccinated Personnel;

• Signed declination forms and written health care provider statements for unvaccinated Personnel.

Employers are permitted to request additional information and documentation to verify vaccination status to the extent permitted under the law.

Face Covering Requirements

The Order continues to mandate the wearing of well-fitted masks for all individuals, including fully vaccinated persons, in indoor public settings and in all transportation other than private vehicles, and requires all businesses to display signage reminding individuals of COVID-19 prevention best practices to reduce transmission.  Other common exceptions to the face-covering requirements include: delineated medical or safety exceptions, while actively eating or drinking, while showering, sleeping, or engaging in personal hygiene that requires mask removal, children under 2 years of age, and when alone or with a member of one’s household in a completely enclosed space within indoor public setting, such as an office.

Acceptable Types of Vaccination Proof

Acceptable proof of full vaccination includes:

• A CDC vaccination card, including the person’s name, vaccine type, and date of last dose;

• A foreign equivalent of a CDC vaccination card;

• A physical or electronic photo or copy of a vaccination card;

• Documentation of vaccination from a healthcare provider; or

• A personal digital COVID-19 vaccine record issued by the State of California through myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov, or similar documentation issued by another state, local, or foreign government, or approved private company.

Personal attestation that a person is vaccinated, whether oral or written, without one of the above types of full vaccination proof, is not acceptable.  All establishments subject to the Order’s proof of full vaccination requirement must crosscheck each individual’s proof of vaccination with the person’s photo ID.  Therefore, a person may not enter any establishment that requires proof of full vaccination without both (1) one of the approved forms of vaccination proof; and (2) a photo ID.  Additional photo identification is not required if an approved digital vaccine record includes photo identification.  The Order does not address procedures for suspected fraudulent proof of vaccination.

San Francisco employers and business operators should carefully review their policies and procedures related to vaccine, mask, and safety requirements to ensure compliance with the Order.  Vaccine, mask, and safety requirements evolve and change often; employers and business operators should stay up to date on any developments and reach out to their counsel with any questions or concerns regarding compliance.

The legal landscape continues to evolve quickly and there is a lack of clear-cut authority or bright line rules on implementation.  This article is not intended to be an unequivocal, one-size fits all guidance, but instead represents our interpretation of where applicable law currently and generally stands.  This article does not address the potential impacts of the numerous other local, state and federal orders that have been issued in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including, without limitation, potential liability should an employee become ill, requirements regarding family leave, sick pay and other issues.

Copyright © 2021, Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP.National Law Review, Volume XI, Number 232

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