Born at the intersection of personal experience, professional insight, and a little irreverence, Deathwishes is the first of its kind end-of-life planning platform to hit the app stores—created by a team of Austin-based innovators who believe that confronting death is one of the most life-affirming things you can do.

This locally owned, female-led tech startup is on a mission: to help people live better by embracing the practical side of death. Through its newly launched mobile app, Deathwishes invites users to document their final wishes, reflect on their values, and leave behind a personalized legacy that goes far beyond paperwork. The app balances the serious with the human—encouraging people to make heartfelt decisions and even laugh a little along the way.

The Team Behind the Curtain

Deathwishes brings together deep experience from hospice care, funeral services, and tech innovation.

• Hayley Hughes, Founder, is a longtime hospice executive and certified Death Doula. Her career has been dedicated to making the end of life more meaningful for individuals and families—and she created Deathwishes to bring that same care to a wider audience.
• Hailey Lowder, Co-founder, leads concept development and operations, shaping both the brand and the user experience. With a strong background in startups and funeral service, Lowder’s leadership ensures that every part of Deathwishes reflects its mission to make death planning approachable, empowering, and human.
• Andrew Germer, Head of Product and Marketing, brings the brains behind the build. He pairs deep research with creative strategy to ensure the app not only works beautifully but connects with real people’s needs and emotions.
• Adrienne Leland, Head of Community, leads the boots-on-the-ground marketing strategy. With over a decade in brand and event work, she’s helping Deathwishes show up in Austin—and beyond—in all the right ways.

Let’s Celebrate Together

To mark the launch of the Deathwishes app, the team is hosting an official Launch Party on May 22nd at Better Half in Austin, TX. Expect music, drinks, and connection—plus interactive moments that offer a first glimpse into how Deathwishes is changing the way we think about life and death. This night is for the death-curious, the future-planners, and anyone who’s ever said, “I should probably think about that someday.” That day is now.

A Better Ending Starts Here

Deathwishes was created to reflect a cultural shift already in motion—one where talking about death isn’t taboo, but essential. With simple tools and thoughtfully crafted prompts, the app helps you reflect, decide, and share what matters most.

Download the app, document your wishes, and start living better.