Some sad news for the data community today: the team behind the accessible data analytics tool, WhyHive, has announced that the app will be shutting down next year.
Users will need to retrieve their data before the lights go off on April 28, 2025.
In a heartfelt announcement to their "Data Explorers," the WhyHive team – T, Matt, and Simon – explained the difficult decision.
After pivoting to focus on the app two years ago, their goal was clear: make data analysis easier and more affordable for folks like researchers, startup founders, consultants, and impact evaluators.
They expressed pride in the tool they built and the community that grew around it.
So, what led to the closure?
According to the announcement, the core issue boils down to sustainability. Despite their efforts and the value users found in the app, WhyHive wasn't achieving the level of growth and revenue needed to support the project long-term.
The team stated it simply became unfeasible to continue development or even keep the service online.
The timing might seem sudden to some, especially since WhyHive announced a pre-seed funding round just last August. However, the team clarified this point, explaining that the round actually closed much earlier, back in March 2023.
They strategically delayed the public announcement until the app was well-tested by early adopters and ready for a broader launch. Unfortunately, even with that investment secured early on, it wasn't enough to pave the way for long-term operation.
For current WhyHive users, the clock is ticking.
They can continue using the app until the April 28, 2025 shutdown date. The team strongly urges everyone to download any important data or charts before then, as everything will become inaccessible afterwards.
Paying subscribers don't need to lift a finger regarding cancellations. On the shutdown date, subscriptions will be automatically cancelled, and WhyHive will process pro-rata refunds for any unused subscription time.
Wrapping up their message, the team extended a huge thank you to their users, emphasizing how much their feedback and enthusiasm fueled the project. "Building for you guys made every day worth it," they shared, highlighting the community aspect as one of the best parts of their journey.
Acknowledging the news might be a shock, the WhyHive team encouraged users with questions, or those who just want to say goodbye, to reach out via email at info@whyhive.com.
It’s always tough to see a useful tool sunset, especially one built with such clear passion for its user base.
