Exit International
Exit International is an Australian non-profit founded by Dr. Philip Nitschke that advocates for end-of-life choice through educational content, community chapters, and the Sarco 3D-printed nitrogen hypoxia capsule, serving adults of sound mind seeking peaceful death on their own terms.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1997
- HeadquartersDarwin, Australia
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Exit International does
Exit International is an Australian non-profit advocacy organization founded in 1997 by Dr. Philip Nitschke, headquartered in Darwin with research and development activity in Haarlem, Netherlands. The organization promotes end-of-life choice as a fundamental human right rather than a medical privilege, positioning itself uniquely within the right-to-die movement by advocating for the de-medicalization of dying through technology. Its service offering combines an educational content library (most notably The Peaceful Pill Handbook, updated up to six times per year), books, DVDs, test kits, and a structured program of live workshops, online webinars, snippets, podcasts, and local Exit Chapters across Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. The organization has approximately 30,000 supporters worldwide.
The organization's defining technology is the Sarco, a 3D-printed capsule co-designed with Alexander Bannink that uses nitrogen hypoxia to induce death without drugs, needles, or physician involvement. The device reduces interior oxygen from approximately 21% to 1% within 30 seconds, with death occurring within 5–10 minutes. The Sarco passed Swiss legal review in December 2021 (Swissmedic confirmed it is not a medical instrument and nitrogen is not a medicinal drug) and was first used in Switzerland in September 2024, an event that triggered subsequent legal investigations and a July 2026 Swiss court ruling. Exit has also developed the CoGen carbon monoxide generator (first built in Darwin in 2002), and the Double Dutch Couples Sarco entered production in July 2025. The Sarco is not patented — plans are available online for free.
Revenue is generated through recurring membership subscriptions, one-time product sales (books at US$35/AU$50, DVDs at AU$45, test kits at AU$20–50), workshop and webinar registrations, and donations channeled through the affiliated 501(c)(3) Exit Generation (pre-set amounts AU$100 to AU$10,000). The go-to-market is community-led, anchored by Exit Chapters and supplemented by event-driven engagement through conferences (e.g., Canberra Conference 2026, NuTech), museum exhibitions of the Sarco, and a content distribution platform. The primary customer segment is adults of sound mind seeking end-of-life choice, with secondary coverage of terminally ill individuals and elderly individuals described as "tired of life." The customer base is distributed across at least eight countries with no enterprise contracts, and the organization is not backed by external investors, operating entirely on member and donor funding.
Exit International firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Exit International
- Legal name
- Exit International
- Website
- https://exitinternational.net
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1997
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Exit International is an Australian non-profit founded by Dr. Philip Nitschke that advocates for end-of-life choice through educational content, community chapters, and the Sarco 3D-printed nitrogen hypoxia capsule, serving adults of sound mind seeking peaceful death on their own terms.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Exit International industry classification
Industry- Product category
- End-of-life advocacy and assisted dying resources
- NAICS
- Death Care Services (8122)
- akta.pro primary industry
- End-of-Life Planning & Hospice/Palliative Care Coordination (HLADALAL)
Keywords
Where Exit International is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Darwin
- HQ country
- Australia
- HQ region
- Oceania
Offices6 records
Markets served
Exit International business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Others
Revenue model
- Membership Subscriptions: Annual membership providing access to live DIY information workshops, online webinars and snippets, online discussion forums, Exit books (Peaceful Pill Handbook and Going to Switzerland), Exit R&D updates, and the Exit newsletter.
- Product Sales: Sale of books (Peaceful Pill Handbook, Killing Me Softly), DVDs (Mademoiselle and the Doctor), and test kits (barbiturate test kits, Nembutal sampler kits, nitrite test kits).
- Workshop Registrations: Fees for workshop registrations including live workshops, webinars, and snippet recordings.
- Donations: Tax-deductible donations to Exit Generation 501(c)(3), with amounts ranging from AU$100 to AU$10,000.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Mademoiselle & the Doctor DVD |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Killing Me Softly Book |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Peaceful Pill Handbook - Print Version |
| Subscription | Annual | Peaceful Pill eHandbook - Online Edition |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Exit Barbiturate Test Kit |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Nembutal Sampler Kit |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Nitrite Test Kit |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Donations |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels9 records
Exit International product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Exit International is an end-of-life choices advocacy organization that provides information, products and a community for adults seeking a reliable, peaceful death at a time of their choosing. Its core offerings include the Sarco 3D-printed suicide capsule (plans distributed free), the Peaceful Pill Handbook (print and online editions), books and DVDs, test kits for end-of-life substances, live workshops, webinars, podcasts and local Exit Chapters across four countries.
Product overview
Exit International is an end-of-life choices advocacy organization founded by Dr Philip Nitschke. The company's product portfolio centers on The Sarco, a 3D-printed suicide capsule that uses nitrogen hypoxia for peaceful death, positioned as the core technology innovation. Supporting products include The Peaceful Pill Handbook (online/print resource), books (Killing Me Softly, Going to Switzerland, Damned if I do), documentaries (Mademoiselle & the Doctor DVD), and test kits (Barbiturate, Nembutal Sampler, Nitrite). Programs include live workshops, online webinars, snippets, podcasts, and local chapters. Exit also developed the CoGen carbon monoxide device. The company offers membership providing access to these resources and maintains a donation program.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- The Sarco: A 3D-printed suicide capsule that uses nitrogen gas to create a peaceful death by hypoxia. The Sarco is portable and can be towed to any location.
- The Peaceful Pill Handbook
- Going to Switzerland
- NuTech
- Exit Generation
- CoGen
Products and services
- Sarco Capsule A 3D-printed capsule that uses nitrogen gas to create a peaceful death by hypoxia, rapidly reducing oxygen levels from 21% to 1% within seconds; designed to be self-activated from inside, portable and towable to any location, with a detachable upper section usable as a coffin.
- The Peaceful Pill Handbook Comprehensive online and print resource providing information on end-of-life choices, peaceful and reliable methods, and practical guidance, updated up to six times per year.
- Killing Me Softly: VE & Road to the Peaceful Pill Book by Philip Nitschke chronicling his journey in the voluntary euthanasia movement, correcting misconceptions and explaining his approach to end-of-life choices.
- Going to Switzerland Guide on planning a final exit in Switzerland, providing information on assisted suicide services available there.
- Damned if I Do Book by Philip Nitschke on end-of-life choices.
- Mademoiselle & the Doctor DVD Award-winning documentary by Janine Hosking following Philip Nitschke and Lisette Nigot, a 79-year-old French academic considering end-of-life decisions.
- Exit Barbiturate Test Kit (qualitative) Qualitative test kit for detecting barbiturates in liquid and powder forms, with approximately 12-month shelf life; AU$35 including test cassette and 0.5ml syringe, with global shipping.
- Nembutal Sampler Kit Kit for collecting liquid samples from veterinary bottles for laboratory analysis; contains syringes, needles, sample containers and plastic bags for powder samples; AU$50 (no drugs included).
- Nitrite Test Kit Test kit for nitrite detection, including digital scales, disposable pipette and test strips (sold separately); AU$20.
- Exit Live Workshops Flaggship in-person workshops providing DIY information on end-of-life choices, including the Triple Workshop 2026 event in Canberra.
- Exit Online Webinars Regular online webinar sessions on various end-of-life topics, with recordings available in the Peaceful Pill eHandbook.
- Exit Online Snippets Mini online workshops on end-of-life topics, with recordings available in the Peaceful Pill eHandbook.
- Exit Podcasts with Philip Nitschke Regular podcast series featuring the authors of the Peaceful Pill Handbook discussing end-of-life topics, including The Doxit Podcast.
- Exit Membership Annual membership providing access to live DIY workshops, online webinars and snippets, online discussion forums, Exit books, Exit R&D updates, and the Exit Internationalist newsletter.
- Exit Chapters Local member groups across Australia (ACT & NSW, Victoria, QLD, South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia), Canada, New Zealand and the UK providing in-person information and community support.
- CoGen Carbon Monoxide Generator Carbon monoxide generating device developed by Exit R&D that manufactures carbon monoxide on demand, providing an alternative method of obtaining a peaceful death.
- NuTech Conference Conference program focused on technology and end-of-life innovations, convened for members and interested participants.
Quantifiable outcome
- Nitrogen reduces oxygen from 21% to 1% in 30 seconds
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Exit International
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Exit International technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability1 record
Feature5 records
Exit International partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- The Last ResortcoreSwiss organization founded by human rights activists specifically for Sarco use in 2023. Fiona Stewart, wife of Philip Nitschke, is a member of the advisory board. Florian Willet serves as president. The organization was established to facilitate Sarco-assisted suicides in Switzerland where assisted suicide is permitted for altruistic reasons.
- Pegasos Swiss AssociationminorExit International shares member information with Pegasos Swiss Association upon request under the same confidentiality rules. Both organizations facilitate assisted suicide in Switzerland.
- NVVE (Dutch Society for a Voluntary End of Life)minorThe Sarco Pod was exhibited at NVVE's 50th anniversary celebration in Hilversum, Netherlands in June 2023. NVVE is a Dutch organization advocating for voluntary end of life with 50+ members.
- Alexander Bannink (Sarco Designer)coreDesigner who worked with Exit International to create the Sarco capsule design. Created with 'forward movement lines to signify travel' and designed for comfort with soft cushions and touch screen interface.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Exit International competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Dignitas: Swiss right-to-die organization providing assisted suicide services to members globally; directly comparable to Exit International as one of the most established Swiss-based end-of-life choice providers, serving a similar older, terminally ill demographic.
- Assisted Dying (Dehandschutter) / Euthanasia Practice Community: Operator of CoGen, a carbon monoxide device providing peaceful death alternative to the Sarco; functions as a niche technology peer in the same de-medicalized end-of-life space.
- The Last Resort (Switzerland): Swiss organization founded specifically for Sarco use in 2023 with Fiona Stewart on the advisory board; sits inside Exit's commercial ecosystem and represents the on-the-ground operationalization of the Sarco product.
- Final Exit Network: US-based right-to-die nonprofit providing information and 'exit guide' services to terminally ill members; closely comparable to Exit International's community-led, information-and-support model and member-driven advocacy approach.
- NVVE (Dutch Society for a Voluntary End of Life): Dutch right-to-die advocacy organization with 50+ members requesting Sarco use; comparable as a peer national advocacy body that also references Exit International's technology and hosts its exhibitions.
- Pegasos Swiss Association: Swiss assisted suicide organization that actively partners with Exit International to share member information; a direct operational peer offering the same assisted suicide services in Switzerland to a similar international member base.
- Philip Nitschke / Exit International YouTube and Podcast Channels: Same company - referenced as a peer since the founder's personal media channels (podcasts, Twitter, YouTube) operate as semi-independent content distribution nodes comparable to the broader podcast and newsletter ecosystem in the right-to-die space.
Broad incumbents
- World Federation of Right to Die Societies: Umbrella organization representing 60+ right-to-die societies globally; comparable as the broad incumbent ecosystem peer that Exit International and other national organizations sit within.
- Compassion & Choices: Largest US end-of-life choice advocacy organization with broader policy, legal, and clinical scope; comparable as a mass-market right-to-die nonprofit but operating through medical establishment channels rather than technology-driven de-medicalization.
Others
- MyGR (Ministerie van Gezondheid) - Dutch Euthanasia Review Committees: Dutch regional euthanasia review committees that provide regulatory oversight for assisted dying in the Netherlands; comparable as an adjacent ecosystem participant that defines the legal operating envelope for Exit International's Dutch operations.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Exit International social profiles
Digital presenceExit International compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Exit International financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Exit International leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Exit International subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries3 records
Exit International funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Exit International M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Exit International
What does Exit International do?
Exit International is an end-of-life choices advocacy organization that provides information, products and a community for adults seeking a reliable, peaceful death at a time of their choosing. Its core offerings include the Sarco 3D-printed suicide capsule (plans distributed free), the Peaceful Pill Handbook (print and online editions), books and DVDs, test kits for end-of-life substances, live workshops, webinars, podcasts and local Exit Chapters across four countries.
Is Exit International a public or private company?
Exit International is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Exit International founded?
Exit International was founded in 1997. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Exit International based?
Exit International is headquartered in Darwin, Australia, in the Oceania region.
How does Exit International make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Membership Subscriptions are the primary driver. The others are product Sales, workshop Registrations and donations.
Who are Exit International's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Dignitas, Assisted Dying (Dehandschutter) / Euthanasia Practice Community, The Last Resort (Switzerland), Final Exit Network, NVVE (Dutch Society for a Voluntary End of Life), Pegasos Swiss Association and Philip Nitschke / Exit International YouTube and Podcast Channels. Broad incumbents are World Federation of Right to Die Societies and Compassion & Choices. MyGR (Ministerie van Gezondheid) - Dutch Euthanasia Review Committees is listed as an others.
Does Exit International have an API?
No public API is recorded for Exit International.
What industry is Exit International in?
Exit International's product category is End-of-life advocacy and assisted dying resources. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLADALAL, End-of-Life Planning & Hospice/Palliative Care Coordination. Its NAICS code is 8122.