A new mobile application is merging the addictive scroll of short-form video with the interactivity of gaming. Atma Sciences, a New York-based startup, has launched Gizmo, an app that presents a vertical feed of interactive mini-applications, or “Gizmos,” created by users through simple AI prompts.
Unlike passive video platforms, Gizmo encourages active participation. Users don’t just watch content; they poke, swipe, tap, and draw to engage with digital toys, interactive memes, puzzles, and art. This creates a playful and dynamic user experience where creators can also like, comment, and even remix existing Gizmos to build their own versions.
The Rise of No-Code Interactive Media
Gizmo’s core innovation lies in its accessibility. The platform completely removes the barrier to app creation, requiring no knowledge of coding. Users can bring their ideas to life simply by describing them in natural language.
The app leverages advanced AI to interpret these text prompts, generating the necessary code and visuals to produce a functional and smooth-running mini app. To maintain a safe environment, all creations are vetted through a combination of AI and human moderation.
Explosive Growth and Investor Backing
Despite a quiet launch less than six months ago, Gizmo has demonstrated significant traction. According to market intelligence from Appfigures, the app has amassed approximately 600,000 installs, with nearly half originating from the U.S.
The platform’s growth has been particularly rapid, surging 312% between October and December, with December installs alone increasing by 50% month-over-month. This early success is backed by a $5.49 million seed round from prominent investors including First Round Capital.
Relevance for the MENA Tech Ecosystem
While Gizmo is a U.S.-based venture, its model presents several key insights for the MENA startup landscape. The region’s large, youthful, and highly engaged mobile-first population, which has driven the success of platforms like TikTok, represents a prime audience for novel interactive content formats. Local creators and brands could leverage a similar model for highly engaging marketing and community-building campaigns.
Furthermore, Gizmo’s AI-driven, no-code approach to development democratizes creation in a powerful new way. This trend aligns with the growing interest in accessible tech solutions in MENA, potentially inspiring founders to build tools that empower non-technical users to create digital experiences and prototype ideas without significant investment in engineering talent. For regional VCs, Gizmo’s rapid user acquisition serves as a compelling case study on the market potential for AI-native consumer applications.
About Atma Sciences
Atma Sciences is the New York-based technology startup behind the Gizmo app. The company was co-founded by Rudd Fawcett and Brandon Francis, alongside CEO Josh Siegel and CTO Daniel Amitay. The team’s stated mission is to combine powerful technology with simple, elegant foundations to unlock new forms of creativity.
Source: TechCrunch
