Hi, I'm Ylan.
I built Nibi to solve my own financial frustration.
The Origin
I tried every financial app out there — from big banks to trendy fintechs. They all had the same issue: either so automated I lost track of spending, OR built for employees, not freelancers.
"The turning point? Three missed invoices and a nasty tax surprise. I realized total automation is a trap for independent workers."
I decided to build the anti-automation.
Core Principles
Awareness > Speed
Manual entry isn't a bug, it's a feature. Feeling every transaction makes you financially smarter.
Radical Design
A financial tool shouldn't look like a 90s spreadsheet. It should be inspiring, calm, and beautiful.
100% Canadian
Built for our reality: GST/QST, provincial taxes, and native bilingualism. Not an adaptation, a foundation.
Nibi means "water" in Ojibwe. Money, like water, must flow. It can be calm or tumultuous, but it must always be directed with intention. Nibi is your dam, your channel, your guide.
Personal Note
This isn't a Silicon Valley startup chasing hyper-growth. It's a craft tool, built by a freelancer, for freelancers. I use it every single day.
Ylan Arfi
Let's Connect
I build other projects and share my journey.