Ad Hoc Labs

What began as a creative reaction to the seismic shifts in the mobile landscape of the early 2010s has blossomed into Ad Hoc Labs, a company dedicated to making mobile communication more intuitive, private, and user-centric. Founded by Will Carter and Greg Cohn, the journey started with the launch of their flagship app, Burner. Carter and Cohn saw a burgeoning opportunity to develop applications that were not just technologically interesting, but also solved tangible, everyday problems for people navigating an increasingly connected world. They envisioned tools that would empower users, giving them control over their digital footprint and personal privacy. This vision was the seed from which Burner grew, an application designed to provide temporary, disposable phone numbers, allowing users to protect their primary contact information. The concept resonated deeply with a growing public concern for privacy in the digital age.

The success of Burner, which has been downloaded by nearly 10 million users, propelled Ad Hoc Labs forward, solidifying its mission to build software that makes your phone a better, smarter device. The company's narrative is one of steady innovation, expanding its portfolio to include other privacy-focused communication apps like Firewall and Dialed. Firewall was developed to combat the rising tide of spam calls, giving users the power to whitelist contacts and block unwanted intrusions. Dialed caters to the needs of small business owners and entrepreneurs, offering a dedicated business line with marketing and productivity tools, all from a single app. This evolution from a single, clever utility to a suite of communication solutions demonstrates a deep understanding of user needs and a commitment to creating a more socially aware and privacy-oriented mobile experience. Backed by premier technology investors like Venrock and Founder Collective, Ad Hoc Labs continues its journey, driven by a passionate team that believes in the fundamental right to communicate freely and safely.