For Startup & Tech People
You understand how platforms work. Here's why cooperative ownership changes everything.
Cooperatives aren't what you think
You might picture slow-moving agricultural co-ops or credit unions. But cooperative structure is just a different ownership model—one that aligns incentives with users instead of extracting value from them. The tech stack, the UX, the product development velocity—all of that can be exactly what you'd expect from a well-run startup.
Read more about thisAlgorithms that serve users
You've seen how engagement-maximizing algorithms create toxic dynamics. We're building transparent, user-controlled algorithms that optimize for well-being rather than time-on-platform. Open source, auditable, and actually configurable.
Read more about thisSustainable without VC
The VC model works for some things, but it creates inevitable pressure toward extraction and exit. We're funded by member fees, grants, and social impact investment. No pressure to deliver 10x returns means we can focus on building something sustainable.
Read more about thisWhy This Matters to You
You’ve built products. You’ve seen what happens when growth metrics override user value. You understand the structural pressures that make platforms turn hostile to their users.
This is an attempt to build something structurally different—not just a nicer company, but a fundamentally different ownership model that changes the incentive landscape.
How You Can Help
Your skills and perspective are valuable here:
- Technical expertise: We need people who can build robust, scalable systems
- Product thinking: Help us design features that serve users rather than exploit them
- Network: Connect us with others who might want to be involved
- Critical perspective: Challenge our assumptions and help us avoid pitfalls
Ready to get involved?
Whether you want to help build this or just stay updated, we'd love to hear from you.