OUR STORY

I wanted my day
back.

I’m Ben Lou, founder of Kurb. The idea began with my own experience of wanting more control over my routine—and more room for the rest of life.

Ben Lou seated behind Kurb Home, V Kurb, and Kurb Zyn. — With Kurb Home, V Kurb, and Kurb Zyn.

MEET THE FOUNDER

Hi, I’m Ben.

I graduated from BU in 2020, where I studied economics and psychology. Before building Kurb, I worked in finance.

Outside Kurb, I enjoy playing pool, poker, and chess. I also love walking the dogs and spending time with them. Those ordinary parts of life are a big part of what I want to make room for.

HOW KURB BEGAN

When my routine stopped
feeling like a choice.

The habit took up more of my day.

Cannabis started as something I did with friends in college. Once I began buying my own supply, it became something I could reach for whenever I wanted. I started using before class, after class, and sometimes instead of class. My grades and routine slipped, and I pulled away from things that mattered to me.

Working in finance during COVID made those boundaries harder to keep. Long hours at home made it easier to use earlier in the day. Over time, more of my plans began to revolve around access.

Changing access gave me room.

I locked my cannabis away, had someone else hold the key, and chose specific times for access. It was uncomfortable at first, but that separation created room between the urge and the action. I started filling some of that time with other habits and activities.

It felt like I was making decisions again. That experience became the starting point for Kurb: a way to give a plan a physical boundary without needing someone else to hold the key.

Read my full story

WHAT WE’RE BUILDING

A tool for boundaries
you choose.

Today, we’re building app-connected devices that support a plan you set for yourself. Your goal might be moderation, cutting back, or working toward quitting. You choose what matters to you and when you want access.

My own experience shaped the idea. The pilot is how we’re learning how Kurb fits other people’s routines, what helps, and what needs improvement.

Explore the ideas behind Kurb

THE KURB PILOT

Help us build the next step.

Try an early device and share your everyday experience.

Explore the pilot