Our Story
Hicya was founded in 2022 in New York City with a simple observation: the software people use every day was getting worse. Ad-supported business models had created a race to the bottom — apps filled with trackers, dark patterns, and paywalls that prioritized engagement metrics over genuine user satisfaction.
We believed there was a better way. What if software could be built with the user as the actual priority — not a product to be sold to advertisers? What if the best apps were also the free ones?
That conviction led to our first product, Vexling — a puzzle platform built to prove that free software doesn't have to mean low quality. With 9 game types and a growing community of players, Vexling demonstrates what's possible when you remove the incentive to manipulate users.
Today, Hicya continues to build software that respects its users. Every app we create is free forever, privacy-first, and designed with care.
Our Values
The principles behind every line of code we write.
Transparency
We're open about what we build, how we build it, and why. No hidden agendas.
Quality
Free doesn't mean cheap. We hold our software to the same standard as the best paid products.
Sustainability
We build for the long term, making deliberate choices that keep our software viable without compromising our values.
Accessibility
Great software should be available to everyone, regardless of ability or financial means.
Simplicity
We resist feature bloat and complexity. The best interface is the one you don't have to think about.
Respect
We respect our users' time, attention, data, and intelligence. No dark patterns, ever.
Our Team
We're a small, dedicated team of engineers and designers based in New York City. We care deeply about building software that makes a difference — and having fun while doing it.
Interested in joining us? Get in touch — we're always looking for people who share our mission.