This Startup Makes SaaS Customisation Simple with Powerful Plugins – Dylibso Startup Review

In the competitive SaaS landscape, many businesses face a pressing challenge in making software adaptable to constantly changing customer needs. Most platforms rely on rigid frameworks that limit innovation, which often leaves users frustrated and increases the risk of customer churn.

Picture a world where B2B multi-tenant SaaS platforms are not just places of standard offerings, but dynamic environments that allow users to shape software, creating features tailored to their specific needs. That’s where Dylibso comes in with their innovative solution, XTP.

This off-the-shelf plugin system takes customisation to the next level, making it easier for teams to build, deploy, and manage features without the common headaches of integration. It’s like giving your users the keys to an expansive toolbox, allowing them to create their own solutions while you refocus on enhancing your core product.

This blend of adaptability and user autonomy has the potential to dramatically improve product usage and customer satisfaction. To dive deeper into this game-changing approach, we did an interview to find out more about Dylibso and their vision.

What is Dylibso?

Dylibso is a technology company that created XTP, an off-the-shelf plugin system aimed at improving the flexibility of B2B multi-tenant SaaS platforms. It tackles a major challenge in the SaaS industry by addressing the need for software that can adjust to evolving customer requirements. Many platforms struggle in this area, often relying on rigid frameworks that restrict user customization and lead to user frustration.

The primary audience for Dylibso includes companies that operate multi-tenant SaaS applications, as these businesses benefit greatly from the flexibility XTP provides. By enabling their users to create tailored features, Dylibso maximises product usage and enhances customer satisfaction. Current reliance on traditional webhooks and APIs restricts what end-users can achieve; XTP shifts this dynamic by allowing users to self-serve entire features.

What sets Dylibso apart is its use of advanced software isolation technology, which allows code to run safely in a controlled environment. By facilitating easy plugin uploads, testing, and execution, it empowers SaaS businesses to focus on their core product development. Dylibso champions the idea of “squishy” software, promoting a future where all software can be programmable and customisable, ultimately bridging the gap between user needs and software capabilities.

Dylibso Founders

Steve Manuel is one of the driving forces behind Dylibso, serving as Co-Founder and CEO. His vision for the company stems from a deep-seated belief in the potential of programmable software. Before starting Dylibso, he gained substantial experience developing technology solutions that meet customer needs, often finding himself frustrated by the limitations of existing software. This frustration led him to explore new avenues to improve adaptability within software systems.

Co-Founder and CTO Ben Eckel complements Steve’s approach with his technical expertise. He has always been intrigued by innovative software solutions. His previous roles saw him diving into programmable tech, contributing to projects that explored flexible applications. This background made him keenly aware of the challenges faced by developers and users alike in creating adaptable solutions. Ben’s focus on WebAssembly technology during the early days of Dylibso reflected a shared passion for making software more accessible and customisable.

The inception of Dylibso came out of the founders’ shared experience with their open-source project, Extism. This universal plugin system—a foray into programmable software—set the stage for what would follow. Steve, Ben, and their colleague Zach Shipko—who serves as the Chief Researcher—collaborated to identify a gap in the market. They saw an opportunity to create an extensibility layer that could transform the SaaS landscape. It was this collective experience and their desire to push the boundaries of what software can do that inspired the formation of Dylibso.

In the early days, the team encountered the usual challenges of bringing a new software system into production. They soon realized that many existing tools either lacked support for WebAssembly or were too complex to use. With years of experience to guide them, the trio began developing a solution they believed would resonate with developers everywhere. Their goal was not only to create a product but to make programming easier and more intuitive. The problem was clear, as the market needed flexible and user-friendly software solutions, and Dylibso was their answer.

Interview with Charles Qian, Chief of Staff of Dylibso

I got an opportunity to interview Charles Qian, the Chief of Staff at Dylibso. He provided insights into the company’s vision and the technology driving the development of XTP.

Q: Can you explain what Dylibso does?

A: We build XTP, an off-the-shelf plugin system that enables extensibility for any SaaS app. This system allows platforms to run end-user code easily and securely.

Q: Who is your target audience?

A: Our primary audience comprises B2B multi-tenant SaaS platforms. We’re here to address their needs.

Q: What problems does XTP solve?

A: XTP maximises product usage and reduces churn. It allows SaaS providers to evolve with their customers’ use cases. By empowering users to customise the product according to their specific needs, we shift the focus from managing requests to innovating the product itself.

Q: How does XTP achieve this?

A: XTP functions on the principle that all software should be programmable, or “squishy.” Our system provides extensibility that surpasses traditional webhooks and APIs. It covers plugin upload and storage, guest account management, built-in testing, and simulation. We streamline the plugin development experience and offer a simple API for execution.

Q: Can you give an example of how your system works?

A: Sure. Defining an extension system involves deciding where within an application to delegate control to the end-user. With XTP, you outline extension points using an OpenAPI-format schema. You sprinkle our SDK code at these points, and we handle the rest. Our system generates libraries based on your domain types and functions, facilitating seamless plugin intake and storage.

Q: What makes Dylibso different from competitors?

A: Our unique utilisation of WebAssembly sets us apart. We’re among the pioneers promoting the concept of “squishy” software. This approach allows for superior programmability and customisation in a way that other solutions don’t.

Q: Tell us about Dylibso’s early days.

A: The journey to production is challenging. We recognised a gap in tools supporting WebAssembly and realised many existing ones were too complex. Our goal has always been to make using WebAssembly straightforward and accessible for every developer.

Q: Has Dylibso received any external funding?

A: Yes, we secured a $6.6 million seed round in 2022. We’re still determining the company’s valuation, but the funds have allowed us to focus on improving XTP and increasing its adoption.

Q: What’s next for Dylibso?

A: Our main objective is to continue enhancing XTP and spreading the concept of squishy software. We want this technology to be available to as many developers as possible.

Q: What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

A: Go for it. If you believe in your vision, take the plunge.

Feedough’s Take on Dylibso

Dylibso is pushing boundaries in the SaaS sector with its XTP plugin system. It’s a smart move at a time when flexibility is key for user retention. Companies are in dire need of adaptable solutions, and Dylibso’s approach gives users power without compromising security or performance.

The use of WebAssembly is a notable advantage, positioning Dylibso ahead of traditional tools. As more businesses recognise the value of custom software, Dylibso has a ripe opportunity for growth. However, they must navigate the challenge of scaling whilst maintaining user experience.

Investing in community support and documentation will also be beneficial for fostering user adoption. Each step they take towards simplifying usability will reinforce their market position. Expect to see Dylibso lead the charge in the future of programmable software.