Here Not There Labs

# Here Not There Labs: High-Level Overview

Here Not There Labs is a decentralized communications platform that builds next-generation chat and collaboration software for remote and distributed teams.[1] Founded in 2020, the company positions itself at the intersection of modern communication infrastructure and decentralized internet protocols, addressing the growing demand for privacy-preserving, open-source alternatives to traditional centralized messaging platforms.

The company serves developers, remote teams, and organizations seeking communication tools that prioritize user sovereignty and data ownership. With less than 25 employees and under $5 million in annual revenue, Here Not There Labs remains an early-stage venture, but its recent funding trajectory suggests accelerating market validation.[1]

# Origin Story

Here Not There Labs emerged in 2020 during a period of rapid growth in remote work adoption and increasing scrutiny of centralized communication platforms. The founding team identified an opportunity to build communication infrastructure "at the forefront of the internet," emphasizing decentralized models that diverge from the walled-garden approach of mainstream platforms.[2]

The company's early validation came through its Series A funding round in 2023, when it raised $25.5 million, demonstrating investor confidence in its vision for reimagined communication protocols.[2] This was followed by a Series B round in April 2025, where the company secured $10 million led by a16z crypto, with participation from prominent crypto-native investors including Coinbase Ventures and Benchmark.[3] This progression reflects growing institutional backing for decentralized communication infrastructure.

# Core Differentiators

• Decentralized Architecture: Unlike traditional chat platforms, Here Not There Labs builds on decentralized protocols, giving users greater control over their data and communications.

• Crypto-Native Investor Base: The company's Series B leadership by a16z crypto and participation from Coinbase Ventures signals deep integration with blockchain and Web3 ecosystems, positioning it within the decentralized internet movement.

• Remote-First Operations: As a distributed startup itself, the company embodies the remote-work ethos it serves, providing authentic credibility with its target market.

• Open Internet Focus: The company explicitly frames itself as advancing "new models of communication at the forefront of the internet," suggesting a commitment to open standards and interoperability rather than proprietary lock-in.[2]

# Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Here Not There Labs operates within a larger shift toward decentralized infrastructure and user-controlled data. The timing is significant: as regulatory pressure on big tech intensifies globally and privacy concerns mount, demand for alternative communication platforms is growing. The company rides multiple converging trends—remote work normalization, Web3 adoption, and skepticism toward centralized platforms.

The involvement of a16z crypto and other blockchain-focused investors indicates that decentralized communications are increasingly viewed as critical infrastructure for the emerging decentralized internet. Here Not There Labs' positioning allows it to serve both traditional remote teams seeking privacy and crypto-native communities building on decentralized networks.

# Quick Take & Future Outlook

Here Not There Labs is well-positioned to capture a meaningful share of the decentralized communications market, particularly as enterprises and crypto projects seek alternatives to traditional platforms. The company's $35.5 million in total funding and backing from tier-one crypto investors suggest strong momentum heading into 2026.

The key question for the company's trajectory is whether decentralized communication can achieve mainstream adoption beyond crypto-native users. Success will depend on balancing technical sophistication with user experience simplicity—a challenge that has historically limited decentralized platforms. If Here Not There Labs can solve this, it could become foundational infrastructure for the next generation of internet communication, particularly as organizations increasingly prioritize data sovereignty and privacy.