Empowering Users in the Digital Age
When I was in my final year at Mississippi State University back in 2009, I had a vision that wouldn't let go. While everyone was rushing to build the next big tech platform that would monetize user data, I found myself drawn to a completely different path. I wanted to create something that would give power back to the people – their data, their rules, their value.
That vision finally materialized in February 2021 when we launched Hintjen, based right here in downtown Starkville at The Hub. We're a different kind of technology company. While most tech giants view users as products to be monetized, we've taken the opposite approach. Our core mission? To empower users to keep their data private, secure, and – most importantly – valuable to them, not us.
At Hintjen, we're proud to be a public benefit corporation. This isn't just a business designation – it's a commitment to promoting social good in everything we do. Whether it's giving back to our users across the country or investing in our local Starkville community, we're dedicated to leaving things better than we found them.
Our team, though small, is mighty. With three full-time employees and five interns, we're building something truly unique. Justin Russell, our head software engineer, and Joshua Britt, our director of business operations, share my passion for user empowerment. As Justin puts it, our goal is to "make it easier for people to be more independent" in the digital world.
We're working on solutions that will allow users to break free from reliance on third-party applications and big tech companies. Through end-to-end encryption and innovative architecture, we're creating systems where your data stays in your hands and those you explicitly trust – no one else's.
One of our most exciting initiatives is Starkville.net, a project that embodies our commitment to local empowerment. It's designed to promote both Starkville and its local businesses while being community-owned and powered by our technology. We believe in supporting small businesses rather than big corporations, keeping the physical infrastructure of the internet distributed among many rather than concentrated in the hands of a few.
As a Starkville native, this mission feels particularly meaningful to me. Coming back to this community and having the opportunity to give back to the city and university that shaped me has been incredibly rewarding. There's something special about building a globally relevant technology company right here in Starkville – a place that's perfect for creating long-term, sustainable positive impact in the digital landscape.
Our mission as a benefit corporation goes beyond just building technology – it's fundamentally educational. We're here to help people understand the digital world better and show them how they can take control of their digital footprint. We want to educate people and give them the tools they need to thrive through technology, not in spite of it.
The future we envision is one where people can come together, manage their data collectively, and participate in the data exchanges of tomorrow – all while maintaining their privacy and autonomy. It's unconventional, yes, but that's exactly what makes it exciting.
We're just getting started on this journey, and we invite you to join us in reimagining what technology companies can be. Because at Hintjen, we believe your data should work for you, not the other way around.
If you're interested in learning more about how we're reshaping the digital landscape or want to be part of our mission, we'd love to hear from you.