Building Better Software Since 2025
THE HALFBAKEDLAB
We are engineers dedicated to building software that respects your freedom, privacy, and long-term ownership.
Our Origin Story
Built on Principles, Not Profits
The Half Baked Lab was born from a simple frustration: too much software is closed, extractive, and treats users as products rather than people. We believed there was a better way—one built on transparency and user ownership.
Starting with just two people, a laptop, and a commitment to doing right by users, we've grown into a team of engineers who refuse to compromise on our values. Today, we serve clients who want software that is understandable, auditable, and truly owned by those who use it.
What sets us apart isn't just technical skill—it's our commitment to privacy-respecting, portable, and self-hostable solutions when they fit the problem. We don't just write code; we build tools that liberate rather than lock in.
Our Values
These aren't just words on a page—they're the principles we code by, the architecture we design, and the conversations we have with every client.
Transparency
We explain trade-offs, document decisions, and build so clients understand what they're getting.
Community-Powered
We believe in the collective intelligence of developer communities. We give back where we can.
Privacy-First Innovation
We explore cutting-edge tech without compromising privacy. No tracking, no dark patterns.
Auditable Excellence
We build with reviewability in mind—so choices can be understood, not just shipped.
Our Technical Foundations
We favor replaceable, well-understood tools—and avoid dependencies that are hard to swap out later.
Languages
Python, TS/JS, Go, Rust
Frameworks
React, Next.js, FastAPI
Databases
Postgres, SQLite, Redis
Infra
Docker, K8s, Linux
Partner with Principles
We're not trying to lock you in. We're trying to set you free.