Starkville-based tech startup, Fractal Networks, is at the forefront of the data privacy sector with its innovative software and hardware solutions. The company, founded by Mo Balaa in February 2021, focuses on empowering consumers to protect, control, and potentially monetize their data.
Balaa’s vision for Fractal Networks took root during his final year of college, aiming to challenge the norm of technology companies monetizing user data. The company is centered around user privacy, setting it apart from the prevailing industry approach.
“We focus on user privacy,” Balaa emphasized. “Our mission is to enable users to keep their data private, secure, and even monetize it, rather than surrendering it for free services.”
Located in downtown Starkville, the startup has expanded to include three full-time employees and five interns across various departments within a year of its inception. Fractal Networks is in the process of developing the Fractal Data Safe, a device designed to safeguard user data from corporate data-sharing practices.
Scheduled for release later this year, the Fractal Data Safe will provide ample storage for essential data like passwords, financial details, and photos. The device features exclusive software that allows users to utilize data security and management apps. One of its key characteristics is the ability to go offline when inactive, enhancing data security and conserving power.
Highlighting the company’s educational mission, Balaa expressed, “We aim to educate and equip people with the necessary tools to thrive in a tech-driven future.”
Josh Britt, the Director of Business Operations at Fractal Networks, praised the company’s altruistic objectives, underscoring its commitment to social good and community involvement.
In addition to the Fractal Data Safe, Fractal Networks is actively involved in Starkville.net, a local project geared towards promoting Starkville and its businesses while leveraging the company’s technology.
Embracing a role different from traditional tech firms, Fractal Networks is dedicated to empowering the public to manage their digital footprint effectively and navigate the digital landscape with confidence. By doing so, the startup is poised to redefine the dynamics of technology use, giving users more control and shifting power away from large corporations.
