Our Story
Withershins, LLC was founded in 2021 in Columbus, Ohio with a simple belief: software should work the way people actually think, not the other way around.
We started because we noticed that most software is built for "average" users. If you don't fit that mold—if you have ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or any other neurodivergent trait—you're often left with tools that feel broken or unusable. We decided to change that.
What We Do
Withershins is a software development company and technology holding company. We operate two main divisions:
Gruff Software
Our development arm, focused on backend architecture, API development, and database excellence. We build robust systems that scale and perform under real-world conditions. No fluff, just solid engineering.
STASH
An iOS app for capturing, organizing, and understanding your thoughts. Built specifically for neurodivergent minds. Powered by on-device AI, Siri integration, and HealthKit correlation. Your data stays on your phone.
Our Philosophy
Privacy First
Your data is yours. We don't believe in cloud processing, telemetry, or training AI on user data. When you use our tools, your information stays on your device. That's not a feature—it's a requirement.
Build for Real People
We build software for neurodivergent minds because that's who we are. ADHD, autism, dyslexia—these are features, not bugs. Our tools work the way neurodivergent brains work: fast, associative, pattern-seeking, and (let's be honest) often chaotic. We embrace that rather than fighting it.
No Unnecessary Complexity
ADHD brains are overloaded enough without software adding to the chaos. Every feature we build serves a purpose. Every UI element earns its place. Simplicity is a feature.
Open Development
We believe in transparency. Our roadmaps are public. We share what we're building and why. We listen to users. We're not hiding behind corporate speak or vague promises.
Our Team
Withershins is built by people who think differently. We're neurodivergent developers and designers who got tired of using software that wasn't built for us. Now we build it ourselves.
We're a small, focused team based in Columbus, Ohio. We value shipping over perfection (but not at the cost of quality). We value honesty over marketing. We value our users' privacy over venture capital.
Why "Withershins"?
Withershins (also spelled widdershins) means "in the opposite direction" or "going against the grain." It's archaic, a bit quirky, and feels like a word that an ADHD person would pick for their company name. We like that it doesn't fit neatly into the tech industry's naming conventions. That's kind of the point.
Get in Touch
Questions? Want to collaborate? Just want to chat about ADHD and software design?
paf@withershins.us