Why we built Porchlight
We have a thousand ways to send messages. But zero ways to simply say: “I'm free if you want to talk.”
Calling someone used to be simple.
Now it feels like an imposition. “What if they're busy?” “I should text first.” “They didn't pick up—do they not want to talk to me?”
So we default to texting. Which becomes a chore. Which becomes a guilt pile. And the people we love most become names on a list we keep meaning to reach out to.
The problem isn't technology. It's that we have no way to know when someone is actually available. So we assume they're not. And we never call.
Porchlight connects you when you're both free.
It's a simple app (with an optional wearable beacon) that signals your availability to your closest 12 people. When you're both open, you get connected automatically.
No more guessing. No more “is this a bad time?” If you're connected, they've already said they're available.
You can just call.
Why only 12 people?
Porchlight isn't social media. It's for the people you'd actually want to hear from at any moment.
Your inner circle
Think: your mom, your best friend from college, your sibling, your neighbor. The people you actually want to talk to more.
No noise
No feeds, no followers, no acquaintances. Just the few people who, if they called right now, you'd be happy to pick up.
The difference Porchlight makes
Before and after.
The Text Message
"Hey, are you free?" This question carries a burden. The sender fears rejection or intrusion. The receiver feels pressure to perform or explain their unavailability.
The Porchlight Signal
"I am here." A passive signal. No notification. No phone buzz. Their object simply glows. Permission has already been granted.
Pro-Human Design
Technology should serve your life, not consume it. We built Porchlight to be invisible until you need it.
No History
We don't log when you hung out or for how long. Your memories belong to you, not a server.
No Metrics
Friendship isn't a game to be won. No streaks, no scores, no leaderboards. Just presence.
No Ads
You are the customer, not the product. We will never sell your attention to advertisers.
Built for human flourishing.
We're a small team of designers and dreamers tired of screens that demand our attention. We're building tools that help you look up, not down.