Our Story
From frustration with existing solutions to a better way of sharing files securely.
The Beginning
In 2024, our founder Sarah Chen was a freelance designer juggling multiple client projects. She constantly needed to share large design files, revisions, and feedback with clients—but existing solutions were either too complicated, too expensive, or didn't prioritize security.
She was using email (file size limits, no expiration), Dropbox links (too permanent), Google Drive (overly complex sharing settings), and sending zip files via messaging apps (risky). Each solution had tradeoffs that left her uncomfortable with how client data was handled.
The Insight
Sarah realized there was a gap in the market: people needed a simple, secure way to temporarily share files that auto-expired. Files should be accessible to anyone (no login required), but with optional security like passwords and access control. The service should be affordable, transparent, and prioritize privacy.
She sketched out the concept: upload files, get a link, set an expiration, share the link. Security by default (encryption, expiration), but simple to use.
Building 25cent.cloud
Sarah partnered with Alex Rodriguez, a security engineer with 10 years of experience at major tech companies. Together, they started building 25cent.cloud in Q2 2024, driven by the mission to create the simplest, most secure file-sharing solution.
They focused on:
- Security: Military-grade encryption, best practices
- Simplicity: Upload, share, done
- Privacy: We can't see your files
- Affordability: Free tier, low pricing
Beta Launch
In September 2024, 25cent.cloud launched to a closed beta of 500 users. The response was incredible. Users loved how simple and secure it was. Early feedback shaped the first major improvements: link chains, custom URLs, and better analytics.
Public Launch
On January 15, 2026, 25cent.cloud launched publicly. Within the first month, 10,000 users signed up. The product resonated with freelancers, teams, educators, and businesses all seeking a better way to share files.
Today
25cent.cloud serves hundreds of thousands of users sharing millions of files every month. We've expanded the team, improved the product based on user feedback, and added features like link chains, batch uploads, and comprehensive analytics.
But our core mission remains unchanged: make secure file sharing simple for everyone.
Why "25cent"?
A tribute to the simple, transparent pricing. We wanted to convey that powerful, secure file sharing doesn't need to be expensive. It should be accessible to everyone—whether freelancers, students, or enterprises.
Our Values, Today
Security First
We invested heavily in security from day one. Regular audits, responsible disclosure policy, and continuous improvement ensure your data stays safe.
User Privacy
We don't track users, sell data, or show ads. Your files are yours. We literally can't see the contents of encrypted files.
Transparent Pricing
No hidden fees. Simple plans. If you need custom features, we discuss pricing openly.
Customer-Centric
We read every support email, track feature requests, and prioritize what users need most. Many of our best features came from user feedback.
What's Next?
We're expanding 25cent.cloud to serve more use cases and geographies:
- Mobile app for iOS and Android
- Advanced enterprise features
- International compliance (GDPR, China regulations)
- AI-powered features (content analysis, smart organization)
But we'll never compromise our core values: simplicity, security, and user privacy.
Join Us
Want to be part of our story? We're hiring engineers, designers, and customer success specialists. Get in touch.