About the Company

HumanID, also known as the Foundation for a Human Internet, was established to provide an anonymous and secure online identity solution. The organization is driven by open-source developers and volunteers, focusing on creating an alternative to traditional login systems that often compromise user privacy. Their service is used across various platforms, including social media sites and whistleblowing services, aiming to enhance user privacy and block automated accounts.

Since its inception, humanID has prioritized keeping operational costs low, charging around one cent per user. The organization's mission is not profit-driven but centered on fostering a secure online environment. This approach has helped humanID gain traction and support from various privacy-conscious platforms and users.

Idea Behind Company

Bastian Purrer's extensive experience in digital marketing and eCommerce highlighted the problematic nature of online privacy. While working on an E-commerce project in Indonesia, Purrer witnessed the rampant use of bot networks and misinformation during local elections, prompting him to address these issues. This led to the creation of humanID, a solution aiming to ensure online privacy and combat fake news.

Purrer envisioned an internet where each user has a single, secure, and anonymous account. This vision contrasts with the current landscape, where platforms like Facebook report inflated user numbers due to fake accounts. By offering a nonprofit alternative, humanID aims to create a healthier online community where user data is not exploited for profit.

Creating the Company

The development of humanID involved extensive research to find a solution that limits account creation while maintaining user privacy. The team experimented with various technologies, ultimately devising a system that verifies users via phone numbers and then deletes the data, storing only a unique hash. This method ensures anonymity and security, as the phone numbers cannot be reconstructed from the hashes.

Building the core backend and conducting user interviews were crucial steps in refining the product. The positive response to the "Login anonymously" feature validated their approach. The team then engaged with potential clients across different sectors, including social media, health tracking, and whistleblowing apps, to identify the most promising market segments.

Launching the Business

HumanID's initial clients were COVID tracking apps and whistleblowing platforms, launched during early 2020. The organization faced challenges in conducting user interviews due to the anonymous nature of their service and limited budget. However, leveraging the network and resources of Harvard Business School, along with online exposure, attracted hundreds of volunteer developers to support the project.

SEO has been a key strategy for attracting and retaining customers, with technical content driving significant traffic to their website. humanID's nonprofit status has also helped build trust with clients, offering transparency in pricing and ensuring data privacy. This trust is particularly important for sensitive services like whistleblowing platforms, where security is paramount.

Earnings

As a nonprofit, humanID's financial model focuses on sustainability rather than profit. They charge a minimal fee to cover costs, resulting in approximately $100 in monthly revenue. Despite limited financial resources, the organization has managed to attract and retain customers through effective SEO and strong value alignment with privacy-conscious clients.

The future looks promising as humanID aims to expand its client base and increase public awareness about online privacy. Their SaaS model, with high visibility to end-users, positions them for growth alongside their clients. The success of their clients will, in turn, drive the overall user base for humanID's services.

Through this journey, Purrer has learned the importance of relationship-building and team motivation, particularly in a nonprofit setting. The ability to make decisions based on mission rather than profit has proven advantageous, fostering trust and attracting a dedicated volunteer base. This approach has positioned humanID as a unique player in the online identity space, committed to privacy and democracy on the web.