Hansa Bergwall

EMBRACING MORTALITY. Hansa Bergwall’s journey to co-founding WeCroak, an app that encourages people to reflect on death five times a day, is a testament to his belief in the power of mindfulness and philosophy. With a background in PR and communications and a deep love for literature and philosophy, Hansa has crafted a unique path that blends modern technology with ancient wisdom, aiming to help people lead happier lives.

From a young age, Hansa was an avid reader, devouring everything from non-fiction to philosophy and poetry. Growing up in the woods of Concord, Massachusetts, on eight acres of land, he developed a strong sense of independence that would later fuel his entrepreneurial spirit. Hansa’s childhood was marked by the loss of his mother at the age of 11, an event that undoubtedly shaped his outlook on life and death.

After high school, Hansa pursued his passion for the humanities at Seattle University, majoring in English with minors in history and philosophy. Immersing himself in the works of the Greeks, existentialists, and the Romantic period, Hansa found joy in exploring complex ideas and their impact on modern society. Unsure of how to turn his intellectual interests into a viable career, Hansa was initially drawn to journalism, but quickly realized it wasn’t the right path for him.

After brief stints in recruiting and other roles, Hansa discovered his knack for PR and communications. “It’s sort of magical,” he says of marketing. “You’re basically influencing the behavior of people at scale without their knowledge or consent.” After not landing a promotion he felt he deserved, he decided to take a leap of faith and start his own PR company. This marked the beginning of his journey toward greater autonomy and creative freedom.

MINDFULNESS INNOVATION. WeCroak was born in 2017 from a chance conversation with an Airbnb guest who happened to be an iOS developer. Intrigued by the Bhutanese practice of contemplating death five times a day for happiness, Hansa saw an opportunity to merge his interests in meditation and philosophy with technology. With just $600, they developed the app, rejecting the “casino design” style of many apps at the time to ensure it would be most effective for its users.

“We wanted to create something that was true to its roots in philosophy,” Hansa explains. “Affirmation apps are great, but they can sometimes encourage people to cling to unhealthy situations. WeCroak, on the other hand, reminds users of the preciousness of life and encourages them to make meaningful changes.”

WeCroak’s simplicity and authenticity resonate with a diverse user base, from Buddhists and Stoics to those dealing with grief or simply seeking relaxation. The app features quotes handpicked by Hansa from an eclectic mix of voices, including noted philosophers, drag queens, trans activists, and pop culture icons. Hansa credits his LGBTQIA+ identity with giving him a broader perspective and a commitment to inclusivity. “I included a lot of voices that, if I were a straight, white guy without a lot of curiosity, I just wouldn’t have thought of,” he says.

INCLUSIVE WISDOM. WeCroak has garnered a loyal following of around 20,000 daily users, many of whom share stories of how the app has positively impacted their lives. “I’ve received so many emails from people finding solace in knowing they are not alone,” Hansa shares. “Others use it to break free from the distractions of modern life and focus on what truly matters.”

Reflecting on his journey, Hansa advises aspiring founders, especially those from the LGBTQIA+ community, to embrace their creativity and uniqueness. “You’re allowed to make something really cool that makes you happy,” he says. “You can’t always control how the business environment changes, but you are allowed to make something that makes you happy. Think about what you really want to be in the world, and find a way then make it happen.”