Commercializing Open Source - Victoria Melnikova - NDC Porto 2023

Commercializing open source: lessons learned from Victoria Melnikova's journey, covering monetization strategies, community engagement, and sustaining a successful project through shared values and strong leadership.

Key takeaways

Commercial open source companies can have revenue in the millions of dollars.
Choose a monetization strategy and start monetizing to sustain the project.
Be transparent about your journey and intentions to resonate with users.
Consider having a co-founder with a complementary skillset.
Your community will share your DNA, so focus on building a strong mission and leadership.
Documentation is crucial for developer tools.
It’s okay to have competition, and you can always pivot or change your approach.
cold outreach to potential users can lead to feedback and growth.
Money isn’t the only motivator; create a product that solves a real-world problem.
Engineer, designer, and business skills are essential for a commercial open source project.
Fundraising can be done through various channels, including VC funds specifically for commercial open source.
user feedback is crucial in deciding what features to prioritize.
Avoid being too vague or experimental with your business model.
Focus on building a strong, sustainable business model rather than just attention.
Learn from other commercial open source companies and adapt their strategies.
Set clear goals and boundaries for your project.
Be willing to experiment and pivot as needed.
Engage with your community and foster a sense of belonging.
Monetization can come from various sources, including SaaS, managed cloud, and consulting.
Create a simple, clear, and friendly onboarding experience.
Consider partnering with other companies or startups.
Continuously evaluate your project’s success and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Don’t underestimate the value of fun and recognizing milestones.

Commercializing Open Source - Victoria Melnikova - NDC Porto 2023

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