Lomit Patel

In your own words, what’s your role in the app business right now?

As Chief Marketing and Growth Officer at Tynker, I focus on leveraging AI and data-driven strategies to scale the growth of our EdTech gaming app, now reaching over 100 million users worldwide.

My expertise includes leading teams to optimize our entire marketing funnel — spanning user acquisition, engagement, and monetization — for long-term success.

Our goal is to make Tynker the highest-grossing coding app for kids and to achieve our mission of helping more students, from elementary to high school, learn to code through our freemium and subscription models.

How did you end up working in apps? / get started?

My journey into the app world began with a passion for working at startups and using technology to solve real-world problems. Early on, I recognized the transformative potential of mobile apps and had the opportunity to be part of disruptive companies like Roku (IPO), IMVU (2nd-highest-grossing social gaming app), and Texture (acquired by Apple).

In these roles, I focused on growth and marketing, honing my skills in user acquisition, engagement, and monetization. This path ultimately led me to the EdTech space, where I saw a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact through innovative apps.

At Tynker, I’ve been able to combine my love for tech with my passion for education, helping kids learn to code, which is an incredibly rewarding experience.

What are you most excited about in apps right now?

I’m most excited about the intersection of AI and mobile apps, particularly how AI can drive hyper-personalized user experiences and optimize app growth.

As the author of Lean AI and someone deeply involved in both AI and marketing, I see tremendous potential in using AI to automate and refine marketing strategies, making them more efficient and scalable. The ability to leverage machine learning for user acquisition, engagement, and monetization is transforming how apps grow and thrive in competitive markets.

Additionally, the rise of AI-powered tools in verticals like EdTech, health, and gaming is incredibly exciting. In EdTech, for example, we’re just scratching the surface of how AI can revolutionize personalized learning experiences, and at Tynker, we’re embracing these innovations to help kids learn to code more effectively at scale. Overall, the rapid evolution of AI in the app space is what truly excites me as we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Is there anyone you’d like to shout out to who has influenced your journey in the app industry?

My journey in the app industry has been shaped by many incredible managers and mentors who believed in me and gave me the opportunity to take on significant responsibilities. It’s because of their trust and guidance that I was able to grow into the growth and marketing leader I am today.

From the very beginning, I’ve been fortunate to work with leaders who not only pushed me to think strategically but also provided the space to experiment, learn from mistakes, and continuously evolve. Their investment in my development allowed me to refine my skills in growth and marketing, taking on challenges I never thought I could handle. I’m truly grateful for all the startup founders and managers I’ve had the privilege to work with, and I strive to pay it forward by mentoring and empowering the next generation of leaders in the app space.

What’s in your app tech stack?

Our app tech stack includes various tools and platforms that help optimize every aspect of marketing and user growth.

For tracking and attribution, we rely on AppsFlyer, which provides deep insights into user acquisition and campaign performance. For advanced user engagement, email, and lifecycle marketing, Iterable is our go-to tool for automating personalized communications at scale. Additionally, we use Google Analytics and Firebase to analyze user behavior and performance metrics, and ChartMogul for reporting.

Together, these tools play a crucial role in efficiently acquiring, engaging, and retaining users, while allowing us to continuously optimize our strategies based on real-time data.

What do you like most about working in apps?

What I love most about working in apps is the constant innovation and the opportunity to solve real-world problems at scale. The app space moves quickly, and every day presents new challenges and opportunities to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

It’s incredibly rewarding to see how apps can transform industries and improve people’s lives, whether it’s helping kids learn to code through Tynker or enabling businesses to connect with users more effectively.

The fast-paced, dynamic environment keeps me engaged and motivated, and I love being part of a team that leverages technology to make a meaningful impact.

What one thing would you change about the app industry/market? Where do you think there’s an opportunity for apps / or unmet needs?

If I could change one thing about the app industry, it would be the over-reliance on short-term metrics that often overshadow long-term value. Too many apps focus primarily on immediate user acquisition or short-term engagement spikes, rather than nurturing sustainable growth and creating lasting impact.

There’s a huge opportunity for apps to shift towards more meaningful, long-term user relationships — especially in areas like education, health, and personal development. In EdTech, for example, we need more apps that prioritize personalized learning and real-world skill development, not just gamified experiences.

I believe apps that focus on delivering lasting value and fostering deeper, more authentic user engagement will not only stand out but also thrive in the long run.

If you weren’t working in apps what would you be doing?

I would have loved to be a professional soccer player, but unfortunately, my dreams were sidelined by injuries — turns out, my legs had other plans! So, I pivoted to app growth and marketing as my ‘backup plan’. Thankfully, this path has been just as exciting (and with a lot less running involved). In a way, I’m still ‘scoring goals’ and leading a high-performance team — just in the world of user acquisition and growth!

iOS or Android?

iOS.

What app(s) have been most useful to you over the last year?

Any Netflix/ TV show recommendations?

Narcos, Ted Lasso, The Queen’s Gambit.

Is there anything else we should know about you?

One thing you should definitely know about me is my passion for traveling. I love exploring new places, experiencing different cultures, and gaining fresh perspectives.

Traveling not only broadens my horizons personally but also professionally — each trip gives me new insights that I can bring back to my work in app growth and marketing. Whether it’s finding inspiration from local innovations or simply taking time to recharge, travel is a huge part of what keeps me motivated and creative.

Do you know someone driving change and growth in the app industry? Nominate an app leader here.