Axilla, Inc.
Mocha empowers everyone to build real, functional software applications without coding. The platform democratizes app development by allowing users to describe their ideas in natural language and turn them into fully-functional web applications with built-in authentication, database, backend, and hosting - eliminating the need for external services or technical expertise.
Founding Story
Nicholas Charriere and Ben Reinhart, both former engineers at Cruise and Privy with extensive backgrounds in AI and distributed systems, founded Mocha (originally Axilla/Srcbook) in June 2023. They initially built Axilla, an AI framework for TypeScript, and Srcbook, a TypeScript notebook for developers. However, after the release of Claude 3.5 Sonnet in summer 2024, they discovered their users weren't developers but non-technical entrepreneurs who wanted to build complete applications, not just explore code. This insight prompted a major pivot: they dropped their developer-focused roadmap and rebuilt from scratch to create an AI-powered app builder accessible to everyone. The rebrand to Mocha in June 2025 reflected this commitment to approachability, with the vision that anyone with an idea should be able to build useful software through conversation, not code.
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Leadership
Founders
Nicholas Charriere
Developer with 12 years of experience in Silicon Valley. Previously: Founding Engineer at Privy (May 2022 - June 2023), Staff Software Engineer at Cruise (January 2021 - June 2022), Senior Software Engineer at Cruise (July 2018 - January 2021), Senior Software Engineer at Pinterest (May 2016 - July 2018), Software Engineer at URX (June 2015 - May 2016), Software Engineer at StarMaker Interactive (September 2012 - June 2015), Machine Learning Engineer intern at Data Publica (April 2012 - September 2012). Specialized in distributed systems, AI platforms, and machine learning.
Ben Reinhart
Software engineer and entrepreneur with 15 years of experience. Previously: Founding Engineer at Privy (November 2021 - June 2023), Engineer and Team Lead at Cruise Automation (July 2018 - March 2021), Senior Software Engineer at Nextdoor (April 2017 - July 2018), Co-Founder at Fam/getfam.com (November 2014 - April 2017, acquihired by Nextdoor), Software Engineer at Groupon (July 2011 - April 2014), Lead Frontend Web Developer at Chicago Apartment Finders (September 2010 - March 2011), Intern Web Application Developer at Chicago Board Options Exchange (May 2010 - August 2010). Specialized in AI, LLMs, TypeScript, and developer tools.
Executive Team
Nicholas Charriere
Founder & CEO
Former Staff/Senior Software Engineer at Cruise and Pinterest, with focus on distributed systems and AI platforms. 12+ years experience in Silicon Valley.
Ben Reinhart
Founder & CTO
Former Engineer at Cruise Automation and Nextdoor, co-founder of Fam (acquihired by Nextdoor). 15+ years experience in software engineering.
Business Model
Revenue Model
Subscription-based SaaS with tiered pricing. Credit-based system that tracks computational cost based on codebase size, context gathering, coding complexity, and debugging. Users pay monthly for credits that power AI-assisted app development.
Pricing Tiers
120 credits per month, 1 app, access to Mocha's AI powers, for personal projects and app ideas
1,500 credits per month, up to 5 apps, access to Max mode for complex tasks, support for medium size apps, 1 custom domain, remove watermarks
4,500 credits per month, up to 15 apps, support for large apps, 5 custom domains, custom login options and branding, priority customer support, access to MAX Agent
20,000 credits per month, up to 25 apps, support for near unlimited sized apps, 20 custom domains, early access to new features, fastest help from the team, access to MAX Agent
Target Markets
- Non-technical entrepreneurs and founders
- Small business owners
- Product managers
- Designers and creatives
- Consultants and service providers
- Contractors and freelancers
- Personal portfolios and landing pages
- SaaS platforms and AI applications
- Productivity apps (budgeting, nutrition trackers)
- Service business websites (pool cleaning, mural painting)
- Booking and scheduling systems
- Marketplace platforms
- Tom Donkers
- Jordan
- Drew Yancey
- Brad Riley
History & Milestones
Launched MAX Agent powered by Claude Opus 4.5 for Silver and Gold members
Rebranded from Srcbook to Mocha
Launched Mocha 1.0 - complete product building platform with authentication, database, backend, and hosting
Ranked #1 Product of the Week on Product Hunt
Launched Spotlight contest platform for Mocha apps
