In the most simple terms, you can think of it as an executable that you start, point to your database (PostgreSQL) and on the other end you get a GraphQL and RE

In the most simple terms, you can think of it as an executable that you start, point to your database (PostgreSQL) and on the other end you get a GraphQL and REST api. The schema in your database drives the api. I am not very familiar with kinvey, but comparing with Parse (or what it used to be) and looking only at the REST interface you can say it has a lot of similarities but the fact that it's backed buy Postgre gives you much more flexibility as soon as you get beyond the simple CRUD stuff. Another differentiating point is the GraphQL interface which makes it possible for you to use OS frontend clients (Relay/ApolloClient/Lokka) and not have to learn a proprietary sdk