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Discover independentsoftware and tools

Help win back the internet by supporting software beyond the black hole of venture capital

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Indie Atlas?+

A directory of independent software and tools built by people, not venture capital. Discover apps from indie makers and small teams who answer to their users — not to investors chasing growth at any cost.

What does “no VC funding” mean?+

It means the apps here aren't backed by venture capital. We focus on bootstrapped, self-funded, and independently owned software. Angel-backed apps and accelerator alumni can still qualify — what we exclude is institutional VC, like seed or Series A rounds from venture firms.

Why no venture-capital-backed companies?+

Because venture capital changes what software is for. VC-backed companies are built to grow fast and deliver outsized returns to investors — and that pressure tends to push products toward ads, data harvesting, lock-in, rising prices, and the slow decline (“enshittification”) of tools people once loved. Independent software answers to its users instead. By featuring only apps without VC funding, The Indie Atlas helps you find tools that can stay focused on being genuinely good — and helps win back a healthier internet.

How do you know an app isn't VC-backed?+

We do our best to vet every listing and keep VC-funded companies out, and we rely on our community to flag anything that slips through or no longer fits the guidelines. Spot one that doesn't belong? Let us know and we'll take a look.

Is it free to list my app?+

Yes. Listing an independent app is free, and claiming an existing listing is free too.

How do I get my app listed?+

Head to the submit page and add your app. As long as it's independent and free of VC funding, it's welcome in the Atlas.

Can users leave reviews?+

Yes — verified reviews help great indie tools get discovered and give people confidence before they try something new.