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Looking to grow your business without technical skills? AI tools in 2025 make it easier than ever for Australian founders to innovate and scale. From automating tasks to creating professional videos, these tools save time and money while staying compliant with Australia's strict data privacy laws.
Here’s a quick look at the top AI tools for non-technical founders:
| Tool | Core Function | Pricing (AUD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perplexity.ai | Market research & analysis | Free to $40/seat | Strategic decisions |
| Zapier | Workflow automation | Free to $103.50/month | Task automation |
| Runway | Video creation | Free to $95/month | Content creation |
| ChatGPT-5 | Language AI | Custom pricing | Customer support & content |
| Lightning Ventures | No-code MVP development | $1,500–$10,000 | Early-stage startups |
These tools are transforming how Australian businesses operate, helping founders work faster and smarter - without needing technical expertise.
Perplexity.ai is a search engine designed to simplify decision-making and improve business efficiency. Since its launch, it has rapidly gained traction, reaching 15 million monthly users within just a few years.
This platform offers two primary features - Quick Search and Pro Search - making it easier for founders to access market research, analyse competitors, and stay updated on industry trends. Here’s a quick look at the available subscription tiers tailored for Australian businesses:
| Feature Tier | Capabilities | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Unlimited quick searches, 5 Pro searches daily, 3 file uploads | Free |
| Pro | Unlimited searches, 300+ Pro searches daily, Unlimited file uploads | AU$20 |
| Enterprise Pro | Team collaboration, advanced features, priority support | AU$40/seat |
Regulatory complexities cost the Australian economy a staggering AU$176 billion annually. Addressing this, Amrita Jebamoney from PwC Australia highlights the value of tools like Regulatory Pathfinder, which leverages GenAI to simplify compliance:
"Regulatory Pathfinder uses GenAI to map an organisation's compliance and regulatory landscape, which helps to automate, accelerate and streamline manual processes. Importantly, it also provides them with tailored actions, with detailed traceability to the underlying obligations, so they can confidently address their compliance gaps and prioritise their risk and compliance efforts. This is going to be a game changer for our clients."
Real-world applications further showcase the platform's utility. For example, Tyro Payments uses AI to automate anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) checks, ensuring regulatory compliance in real-time while maintaining transparency in their operations.
For Australian entrepreneurs, Perplexity.ai offers a powerful toolset to streamline complex business tasks. Its evidence-backed insights and real-time updates make it especially useful for non-technical founders navigating the fast-paced business world of 2025.
Zapier is an automation platform trusted by over 3.4 million companies worldwide to simplify operations without needing technical know-how. For Australian businesses navigating the digital world in 2025, Zapier’s ability to integrate with over 7,000 applications - including local platforms like Seek.com.au - makes it a valuable tool. Its extensive integration options provide businesses with opportunities to streamline workflows, gain insights, and improve efficiency.
Zapier offers a range of plans tailored to different business needs:
| Plan | Monthly Cost (AUD) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 100 tasks/month, 2-step Zaps, AI tools |
| Professional | $29.99 | Multi-step Zaps, premium app access, webhooks |
| Team | $103.50 | Shared workspaces, advanced support |
| Enterprise | Custom | Advanced controls, higher limits, dedicated support |
Data security is a top priority for Zapier, making it a reliable choice for Australian businesses concerned about privacy. The platform meets SOC 2 Type II and SOC 3 compliance standards. Additionally, it adheres to international privacy regulations and the Australian Privacy Act, ensuring data protection and sovereignty.
Marcus Saito, Head of IT and AI Automation at Remote, highlighted Zapier's efficiency:
"Zapier allowed his three-person team to function like ten, automating 28% of company requests".
Zapier’s practical benefits are evident in real-world examples. Tyler Diogo, Operations Manager at Arden Insurance Services, shared:
"Zapier contributes to an overhead savings of around AU$500,000+ on an annual basis".
Another success story comes from Learn It Live, which reduced support tickets by 40% by building an AI chatbot with Zapier in under an hour - no coding required. This demonstrates how even non-technical teams can achieve significant operational improvements.
Zapier’s strength lies in its ability to connect various business tools seamlessly. Some standout features include:
One user summed it up perfectly:
"The more we can do without code the better. We've automated many parts of our business without having to hire developers to do it".
With a 99.9% uptime and a stellar 4.7/5 rating on GetApp Australia, Zapier remains a dependable solution for Australian businesses looking to automate and optimise their operations in 2025. Its user-friendly approach ensures that even those without technical expertise can unlock new levels of efficiency and productivity.
Runway is an AI-driven video creation platform designed to help non-technical users bring their creative ideas to life. With more than 30 AI Magic Tools, it simplifies video production tasks that once required specialised skills.
Runway's tools are designed to make video production faster and easier, delivering professional results without the steep learning curve:
| Feature | Description | Business Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Gen-2 | Text-to-video generation | Cuts concept video production time by 60% |
| Magic Tools | AI-powered editing suite | Simplifies post-production workflows |
| Inpainting | Object removal and scene editing | Enables high-quality edits without technical skills |
| Green Screen | Background replacement | Ideal for creating versatile marketing content |
| Frame Interpolation | Smooth slow-motion sequences | Improves the overall production quality |
This extensive toolset is paired with flexible pricing tailored to local markets.
Runway has introduced pricing plans in Australian dollars, making it accessible for users across the country:
Runway’s tools are already making waves in creative industries. Andy Christoforou from KPF shared:
"With Runway, our team can animate a static render in-house, and what usually takes 2 weeks and thousands of dollars now takes a few hours at the cost of the Runway credits we're using to animate the piece".
In a major milestone, Runway partnered with Lionsgate in September 2024, becoming the first AI provider to collaborate with a major Hollywood studio.
Runway consistently earns high ratings (4.5-4.8/5) for usability, functionality, and reliability. Its key advantages include:
One user reflected on the platform’s transformative impact:
"Working with Runway has been transformational for my creative process... it feels like I've been able to make these discoveries and visually edit the look and feel of the movie while still in a writing phase. This has led to so many breakthroughs for me and for the film".
As of November 2024, Runway has grown to serve 100,000 customers worldwide, generating an impressive annual revenue of AU$121.6 million. Its success highlights its strong position in the market and its ability to empower creatives globally.
ChatGPT-5 is transforming how non-technical founders grow their businesses by offering advancements in reasoning, multimodal capabilities, and tailored solutions. Let’s break down the features that make it a standout tool.
| Feature | Business Impact | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Unified Intelligence | Combines multiple AI models into one tool | Simplifies workflows and cuts costs |
| Advanced Reasoning | Offers improved problem-solving abilities | Supports strategic planning and decisions |
| Multimodal Processing | Handles text, speech, and images together | Develops cohesive marketing materials |
| Customisation Options | Adapts to specific industry requirements | Creates tailored business solutions |
These features are designed with the Australian market in mind, ensuring relevance and usability.
ChatGPT-5 has been localised for Australia, incorporating Australian English spelling, idioms, and an understanding of local regulations and market dynamics. It’s not just about language - it’s about aligning with the unique needs of Australian businesses.
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, highlights the improvements:
"It's not like this model is going to get a little bit better... It's going to be better across the board."
The numbers speak for themselves. ChatGPT-5 has been shown to:
These gains make it a powerful ally for businesses looking to optimise their operations.
ChatGPT-5’s capabilities translate into real-world benefits across multiple business areas:
Customer Support Automation
With enhanced reasoning, ChatGPT-5 enables more sophisticated customer interactions. For instance, Shopify’s AI chatbots now manage 47% of customer enquiries automatically, significantly cutting response times during busy periods.
Content Creation and Marketing
Its advanced contextual understanding helps businesses craft engaging, locally relevant content. As marketing strategist Jay Baer puts it:
"Make your customers the hero of your story."
Strategic Analysis
ChatGPT-5’s powerful analytics allow founders to process complex market data, enabling smarter, data-driven decisions.
These applications make it an invaluable tool for businesses aiming to stay ahead in 2025.
Paul O’Brien summarises the role of AI perfectly:
"AI isn't just a tool; it's a catalyst for your decision-making, growth, customer discovery, testing ideas, fueling creativity, and getting things done (execution)."
ChatGPT-5’s training, equivalent to 16,438 years of computational time, has led to a major reduction in hallucinations. This ensures its outputs are more reliable, making it an excellent choice for non-technical founders who depend on accurate and trustworthy insights.
Lightning Ventures supports non-technical founders in Australia through its Lightning Accelerator program. By combining education, practical tools, and a strong community, it helps founders rapidly build and scale software. Like other AI-driven solutions, it simplifies complex processes, making it accessible for those without a technical background.
| Feature | Role | Business Impact |
|---|---|---|
| No-Code Development | Expertise in Bubble.io and training | Helps founders create MVPs in just 8–12 weeks |
| Expert Network | Access to vetted contractors | Ensures efficient development and quality assurance |
| Founder Community | Over $1.5 billion in exit value | Offers peer learning and networking opportunities |
| Implementation Support | Weekly office hours and coaching | Provides personalised guidance and problem-solving |
Lightning Ventures has found success in Australia by collaborating with prominent institutions and tailoring its approach to local business regulations and market needs. This localisation focuses on two main areas: speedy MVP development and practical education.
Matt Woodward, Founder of Scalr, shared his experience:
"The Lightning Accelerator was incredible. It helped me take my idea and build it in Bubble.io within 8 weeks. I learned so much about the fundamentals of building software. It was empowering as I've been a tech recruiter sitting on the sidelines for so many years. Would recommend it to anyone trying to launch their own business."
MVP Development
Lightning Ventures streamlines the process of turning ideas into software. A notable example is its collaboration with RMIT Activator in January 2025.
Education and Empowerment
Through its SparkEd initiative, the platform provides training in AI, no-code tools, and automation. Jian Wei Hoh, Founder and CEO of VIIZR (a Ford-backed company), praised the program:
"The Lightning Team are real hustlers with lived startup experience. They helped us get up and running quickly!"
The program offers flexible pricing options to suit different needs:
These options make it easier for founders to access the support they need at every stage of their journey.
The Lightning Accelerator focuses on equipping non-technical founders with the tools and confidence to succeed. Founder Dave McManus highlighted this shift:
"Technology has changed dramatically, enabling non-technical founders to become technical."
The program ensures high standards through:
Lucy Kough from Tap the Gap reflected on her experience:
"The Lightning Accelerator was one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my startup journey. It helped me design, build, and confidently communicate my vision as a founder."
Here's a quick comparison of standout features from leading AI tools designed to support non-technical founders in Australia:
| Tool Feature | Perplexity.ai | Zapier | Runway | ChatGPT-5 | Lightning Ventures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core Function | Research & Analysis | Workflow Automation | Visual Content Creation | Language AI | No-Code Development |
| Best For | Market Research | Task Automation | Video/Image Creation | Content Strategy | MVP Development |
These tools offer distinct advantages, enabling founders to accelerate business growth without needing a technical background.
Adopting AI tools has proven to deliver measurable benefits:
These results show how AI can dramatically enhance efficiency and reduce operational challenges for startups.
In Australia, the Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 has introduced stricter data protection laws. In response, these AI tools include features designed to align with local requirements:
"AI isn't just a productivity enhancer - it's a strategic advantage. Founders who use AI effectively aren't just building faster. They're thinking bigger."
- Ravi Mehta, former CPO at Tinder and founder of Outpace
AI tools are transforming key business functions, delivering tangible results across various areas:
| Business Function | AI Capability | Impact Metrics |
|---|---|---|
| Marketing | Content Generation & Analytics | Improved ROI |
| Customer Service | Automated Support | Better customer retention |
| Product Development | MVP Creation & Testing | Faster entry to market |
| Financial Planning | Forecasting & Analysis | Increased accuracy in projections |
For seamless workflows, integration is critical. These tools provide robust integration features, including:
With a reported 13% rise in cybercrime targeting small firms, these security measures are more important than ever.
Scalability is essential for non-technical founders as their businesses grow. These tools are designed to adapt to evolving needs, offering:
"You don't need a full-time staff anymore - just the right problem to solve and the right mix of AI tools and freelancers."
- Tim Cortinovis
Get started with AI integration by crafting a strategic plan tailored for Australian founders. These steps are designed to help non-technical founders incorporate AI tools effectively into their businesses.
Start by identifying areas where inefficiencies slow things down. Research shows that adopting AI can significantly boost revenue - on average, by $500,000. Focus on areas with the highest potential impact, such as customer service, marketing, and product development.
Here's a quick guide to implementing specific AI tools:
| Tool | First Steps | Expected Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Perplexity.ai | Set up workflows for automated research | Deeper and more actionable insights |
| Zapier | Automate email and social media tasks | Reduce operational costs by 20–30% |
| Runway | Start creating videos with AI tools | Better audience engagement |
| ChatGPT-5 | Develop workflows for content creation | Boost marketing ROI by up to 35% |
| Lightning Ventures | Kick off MVP development consultations | Quicker entry into the market |
Stay compliant with Australian data protection laws by following these steps:
Make sure your team is ready to embrace AI by following these training steps:
Research shows that teams complete tasks 55% faster when they receive hands-on AI training.
Plan your budget carefully. Consider costs for initial setup, monthly subscriptions, and training - keeping everything in AUD to ensure alignment with your financial goals.
Define clear KPIs to measure success. These could include task completion times, cost savings, productivity gains, and customer satisfaction. Regularly review these metrics to fine-tune your AI strategy.
Non-technical founders in Australia can navigate the complexities of data privacy laws when using AI tools by adhering to the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), as outlined in the Privacy Act. This means securing informed consent before collecting any personal data, ensuring data is only used for its stated purpose, and putting strong security measures in place to protect it.
Keeping up-to-date with guidance from the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) is also crucial. The OAIC regularly updates privacy obligations specific to AI, making it a valuable resource. Periodic audits of AI tools are another practical step, helping to uncover potential privacy issues and stay aligned with changing regulations. By focusing on transparency and robust security practices, founders can not only comply with the law but also build trust while making the most of AI technology.
When picking an AI tool for your startup, start by pinpointing the specific challenges or objectives you want to tackle. Whether it's automating repetitive tasks, boosting customer engagement, or scaling your operations, having clear goals will help you find a tool that aligns with your needs.
Next, take a close look at the tool's usability and compatibility with your current systems. If you're not a technical expert, prioritise tools with user-friendly interfaces and simple integration processes. This can save you time and effort during setup. Don’t forget to weigh the cost against the potential return on investment (ROI). Make sure the tool fits within your budget while providing measurable benefits for your business.
Lastly, consider the support and resources offered by the tool's developers. Access to detailed documentation, helpful tutorials, and responsive customer support can make all the difference in how effectively you can use the tool to drive your startup's growth.
AI tools like ChatGPT-5 and Zapier can be game-changers for small businesses, helping them save time and work more efficiently by automating repetitive tasks and streamlining workflows.
ChatGPT-5 is particularly useful for customer service. It can handle queries, create content, and analyse data, giving your team the freedom to focus on activities that drive strategic growth. Plus, it can significantly cut response times, which means happier customers and better overall satisfaction.
On the other hand, Zapier acts as a bridge between your apps, automating processes that would otherwise require manual effort. Whether it’s syncing customer details across platforms or updating databases, Zapier takes care of it. And the best part? You don’t need to be a tech wizard to use it. These tools empower non-technical business owners to achieve more, boosting productivity and supporting growth without the need for coding skills.
