Build and Scale Your Startup Fast with Frappe Cloud, Framework, and ERPNext by Hussain Nagaria
For early-stage startups, transforming an idea into a functioning product—and managing the business around it—can feel overwhelming. From development time to operations, the challenges can be resource-heavy and technically complex.
But what if you could rapidly build your Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and manage your operations on a single, open-source platform?
That’s exactly what Frappe Cloud, Frappe Framework, and ERPNext offer—a powerful, integrated ecosystem to build fast, scale smart, and operate efficiently.
The Frappe Ecosystem: Open-Source Power for Startups
Frappe Technologies, based in Mumbai, is behind the open-source tools that make up this ecosystem. Their core platforms include:
- Frappe Framework: A low-code, developer-friendly web app framework.
- ERPNext: A full-suite ERP system built on Frappe Framework.
- Frappe Cloud: A managed hosting service for deploying Frappe and ERPNext apps.
All tools (except cloud hosting) are MIT-licensed and free to use, modify, or self-host. This means no recurring license fees, no vendor lock-in, and full freedom to scale.
Part 1: Build Your MVP with Frappe Framework
Hussain Nagaria, Frappe Evangelist & Trainer, explains:
Startups need speed and focus. The Frappe Framework lets you build web applications incredibly fast—in a matter of hours—with minimal coding required.
Benefits for Startups
- Rapid MVP Launch: Go live with a fully functional web platform quickly. Avoid lengthy mobile app development cycles.
- Focus on Core Innovation: Frappe handles the backend and infrastructure, letting you focus on your USP.
- “Batteries Included”: Features like CRUD operations, APIs, authentication, form builders, and dashboards come out-of-the-box.
Tools You Get
- DocType Creator: Define data structures like “Vendor” or “Order” without writing code.
- Workflow Builder: Visually design business processes.
- Dashboard Builder: Create real-time data visualizations.
- Web Forms: Public-facing forms (think: Google Forms with backend power).
- Permissions & Roles: Manage access control seamlessly.
Advanced users can switch to developer mode and customize further using Python and JavaScript.
Try It Free
- Sign up at frappecloud.com
- Create a new site
- Choose apps like ERPNext, CRM, Website Builder, etc.
- Link your own domain for free
You’ll get analytics, backups, domain management, and full control—no DevOps needed.
Part 2: Manage Your Business with ERPNext
Dharmesh Chitroda, ERP Consultant at Frappe, describes ERPNext as:
“The powerhouse of open source for managing all your business operations.”
Built on Frappe Framework, ERPNext is a full-featured ERP used by startups and enterprises alike across industries like manufacturing, retail, services, education, healthcare, and agriculture.
Modules Included
- Accounting: Chart of accounts, ledgers, multi-company support
- Sales & Buying: Quotations, POs, invoices, delivery
- Inventory: Real-time stock, UOM support, valuation
- Payroll & HRMS: Employee lifecycle, tax-compliant payroll
- CRM & Support: Leads, deals, helpdesk, SLAs
- Manufacturing: BOMs, work orders, material movement
- Projects: Tasks, timesheets, budget tracking
- Assets: Depreciation, asset tracking
- Portals: Customer and supplier access to key data
Key Features
- Role-Based Permissions
- Print Format Customization
- Localization: GST (India), VAT (UAE), ZATCA (KSA)
- Data Imports
- Govt Portal Integration (e.g., GSTIN verification)
- Custom Fields & Validations
Need more? Connect ERPNext with other Frappe Marketplace apps or use Frappe Insights for business intelligence dashboards.
Costs and Hosting Options
- Frappe Framework & ERPNext: Free & open-source
- Frappe Cloud Hosting: Starts at ₹410 (~$5/month), scalable by usage
- Self-Hosting: Entirely possible. Recommended specs: 8GB RAM, 25GB+ storage
With no per-user or per-module fees, you control your costs and roadmap.
Why Startups Should Choose Frappe
- Fast MVP Turnaround
- Zero Licensing Overhead
- Modular ERP for Long-Term Growth
- Open Source = Flexibility + Community
- One Platform to Build, Launch, and Manage
Whether you’re building a SaaS product, launching a D2C brand, or setting up an NGO with operational transparency, Frappe gives you the tools to go live fast and scale smart.
Ready to Dive In?
- Explore free learning at school.frappe.io
- Sign up for your free trial at frappecloud.com
Start lean. Build fast. Operate smarter.
With Frappe, your startup’s tech and operations backbone is already built—waiting for you to plug in your vision.