Independent Studio · Switzerland
We make apps
worth keeping.
Small studio. Honest software.
As private and affordable as each app allows.
Our work
What we've built
Beautiful tools that respect your privacy and your wallet.
No dark patterns
Software should not trick you.
We avoid the patterns that make apps feel hostile: forced accounts, fake urgency, confusing subscriptions, ads, and unnecessary permissions.
No forced accounts
If an app can work without login, it should. Accounts appear only when sync, sharing, or safety features need them.
No fake urgency
No countdown pressure, manipulative popups, or tricks designed to push a purchase.
No confusing subscriptions
When payment is needed, the reason should be understandable: server costs, AI costs, maintenance, or a clear unlock.
No unnecessary permissions
Permissions should match the feature. Camera, location, contacts, or notifications should have a clear purpose.
About
The studio
benavo is an independent app studio based in Switzerland. We build things we'd actually want to use ourselves — privacy-minded, fair-priced, and built around the real needs of each app.
Founded by Elias Frehner
Local when possible
Data stays on your device when the app can work that way. Cloud or servers are used only when features need them.
Fair pricing
Free where possible, paid where running costs are real, and priced as low as we can make it.
Clear tradeoffs
If an app needs AI, messaging, cloud sync, or a backend, we say so and keep the scope as small as practical.
FAQ
A few honest answers.
Different apps have different tradeoffs. We try to make those tradeoffs clear before you trust an app with your time or data.
Do all benavo apps keep data only on-device?
No. Some apps do, but others need servers for sync, sharing, safety workflows, or AI. benavo backends run at Hetzner in Germany.
Why does Lokado need cloud storage?
Sharing inventories and syncing across devices requires server-side data. Without that, the main collaborative part of Lokado would not work.
Why does Knowli send data to OpenAI?
Flashcard generation needs AI processing. When you ask Knowli to generate cards, selected notes, images, or PDF pages are processed by OpenAI.
Are all apps free?
No. Some are free, some have optional donations, and some need paid unlocks or subscriptions because AI, servers, and maintenance cost money.
Do you build apps on request?
Yes. If you have a good idea for an app, send us a short email. We cannot promise to build everything, but we do read every serious request.
App requests
Have an app idea?
We also build apps on request. If you have a useful idea, a niche workflow, or a small tool that should exist, write us a mail.
Contact
Get in touch
Questions about an app, press inquiries, or just want to say hello — we read every message.