Open Source for Founders & Executives – Open Source Initiative

Learn more about OSI’s mission, history, people, and programs.
Explore the list of OSI-Approved licenses and learn more about the license review process.
Learn more about Open Source AI, how do we define it, and its benefits to society.
Advancing Open Source through policy, regulation, and standards.
Supporting research, education, and knowledge about Open Source.
Connecting the people and organizations that build and support Open Source.
Explore the latest news, blog posts, newsletters, press mentions, and events from the OSI.
Learn more about OSI’s mission, history, people, and programs.
Explore the list of OSI-Approved licenses and learn more about the license review process.
Learn more about Open Source AI, how do we define it, and its benefits to society.
Advancing Open Source through policy, regulation, and standards.
Supporting research, education, and knowledge about Open Source.
Connecting the people and organizations that build and support Open Source.
Explore the latest news, blog posts, newsletters, press mentions, and events from the OSI.
Open Source can accelerate adoption, collaboration, and innovation while creating new opportunities for products and businesses. These resources help founders and executives understand the key choices involved in building sustainable businesses with Open Source.
A five-minute introduction to licensing, hosting, support, and Open Core business models.
Amandine Le Pape — European Open Source Academy
A video masterclass series on building sustainable Open Source businesses, drawing on the experience of Matrix and Element.
Episode 1 — The Story of Matrix and ElementEpisode 2 — Recognising Open Source OpportunityEpisode 3 — Foundational Elements for OS Business SuccessEpisode 4 — Leveraging the Right EnablersEpisode 5 — Finding Business Models That Work
Julia Machado — OpenSource.net
An introduction to building sustainable businesses around Open Source.
Learn how to turn project adoption into products customers will pay for.
Thomas Di Giacomo — OpenSource.net
How to distinguish an Open Source project from a commercial product and align both with business goals.
Gaël Duval — OpenSource.net
Lessons from an Open Source entrepreneur on moving from project to sustainable organization.
A guide to moving from project → product → profit while building a broader commercial ecosystem.
Explore different ways to create and capture value while preserving Open Source freedoms.
A microcourse covering eight real-world approaches to monetizing Open Source.
Stephen Walli & Jeff Borek
A debate on whether Open Source is itself a business model or a foundation for building one.
See also Stephen Walli’s There is Still NO Open Source Business Model.
Build awareness, participation, and an ecosystem around your project.
Olga Rusakova — OpenSource.net
Practical ways to grow awareness and adoption without conventional marketing.
Guidance for promoting an Open Source project while supporting community health.
Connect Open Source participation with your company’s product and business goals.
Amanda Katona — OpenSource.net
Practical guidance for turning an Open Source strategy into action.
A practical guide to Open Source business models, strategy, workflows, tools, and integration.