The Curious Engineer

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Open Core Ventures

opencoreventures.com/insights

We turn open source projects into durable, venture-scale opportunities.

Tech news / industrySoftware / engineering practice

’22’23’24’25’26
Posts
63 from 4 Apr 2022 to 8 Sep 2026
Posting
monthly (11 in the last year)
Kind
company blog

2026 10

  1. Apr 4, 2022Someone has to pay for the dominoF/OSS projects have many paths to sustainability (we’re partial to open core). This post catalogs the sustainability problem and the various solutions we’ve seen working for F/OSS projects.Victor Adossi, EIR7 min read
  2. Jun 22, 2022The rise of observability (o11y): Neanderthals with logs to astronauts with instrument panelsObservability (“o11y”) has undergone a nearly four decade transition: from Apache/NGINX logs, to Nagios, Zipkin/Jaeger/Prometheus, and finally self-serve platforms powered by Kubernetes.Victor Ad
  3. Oct 10, 2022Why we invested in Mermaid ChartMermaid Chart is changing how we communicate. Creating dynamic text-based diagrams removes the clumsy design layer and improves collaboration.Erica Lindberg4 min read
  4. Oct 21, 2022Preventing the bait and switch by open core software companiesOpen source isn’t just a license—it’s a company charter. At OCV, we’re making it harder to push the “red button” and lock down open source. Here’s how we’re protecting open core projects.Sid Sijbrandij5 min read
  5. Nov 3, 2022Introducing our first public benefit company, Authentik SecurityAuthentik Security, OCV’s first Public Benefit Company, ensures open source identity management stays transparent, flexible, and sustainable while enabling full-time development and innovation.Erica Lindberg4 min read
  6. Jan 4, 2023Buyer based open core: A pricing modelA buyer-based pricing model makes open core sustainable, balancing business growth with open-source contributions while avoiding bait-and-switch pitfalls.Sid Sijbrandij5 min read
  7. Jan 23, 2023Ondsel: making solid modeling tools accessible for everyoneOndsel, built on FreeCAD, is making solid modeling tools more accessible by enabling web-based collaboration, customization, and open source innovation for engineers, designers, and makers.Open Core Ventures6 min read
  8. Feb 9, 2023Ramatak: the open core platform for mobile gaming built with GodotRamatak, built by Godot’s co-founder, expands open source game development with a fully compatible engine, enabling seamless mobile game creation, monetization, and ethical open core innovation.Erica Lindberg4 min read
  9. Feb 28, 2023Why open core will replace proprietary software as the defaultOpen core is outpacing proprietary software as the default model, driven by trust, security, and the unstoppable velocity of open source innovation.Sid Sijbrandij6 min read
  10. Mar 9, 2023Don't listen to potential customers "if only" requestsPrioritize feedback from your heaviest users, not potential customers—true product growth comes from iterating on real user needs, not chasing every last sales objection.Sid Sijbrandij5 min read

2025 21

  1. Apr 14, 2023The Red Hat model only worked for Red HatThe Red Hat model of selling open source support and services won’t be repeated—open core is the scalable, investable path for commercializing open source software.Sid Sijbrandij7 min read
  2. Jun 5, 2023Artificially constraining your company to one goal creates velocity and creativityArtificially constraining your company to one ambitious goal fuels creativity, accelerates decision-making, and drives relentless progress toward meaningful growth.Sid Sijbrandij6 min read
  3. Jun 27, 2023AI weights are not open 'source'AI model weights aren’t 'open source'—they require distinct licensing categories like Open Weights and Ethical Weights to ensure clarity and prevent misleading open-washing.Sid Sijbrandij5 min read
  4. Jul 14, 2023Open core is a misunderstood business modelOpen core sustains open source by balancing community contributions and enterprise features, ensuring a viable, transparent model without compromising the core project.Sid Sijbrandij7 min read
  5. Aug 3, 2023Red Hat found a way to get around the GPLv2 license intention with contract lawRed Hat's move to restrict RHEL source code via subscription terms may be legal, but it undermines open source principles, fueling competition and calls for greater transparency.Sid Sijbrandij7 min read
  6. Aug 15, 2023Founder-compensated startups are default deadFounder-compensated startups are default dead under traditional metrics, but by prioritizing rapid growth over absolute ARR, they can secure funding and scale successfully.Sid Sijbrandij5 min read
  7. Aug 23, 2023HashiCorp switching to BSL shows a need for open charter companiesHashiCorp’s switch to BSL highlights the need for open charter companies—legally binding commitments to open source can rebuild trust and prevent future license shifts.Sid Sijbrandij8 min read
  8. Sep 19, 2023Open core split should be based on features, not on code baseOpen core should be split by features based on the buyer, not by separate code bases—keeping all code in one repository simplifies development and improves the user experience.Sid Sijbrandij4 min read
  9. Oct 2, 2023KEDA maintainer Zbynek Roubalik launches Kedify: Enterprise autoscaling for KubernetesKedify, founded by KEDA maintainer Zbynek Roubalik, brings enterprise-ready event-driven autoscaling to Kubernetes, optimizing cloud costs while staying true to open source principles.Erica Lindberg4 min
  10. Oct 23, 2023In-person marketing events are overvaluedIn-person marketing events are costly and hard to measure, while content marketing is a cheaper, more effective way for startups to build visibility and drive growth.Betty Ma6 min read
  11. Nov 1, 2023AGPL license is a non-starter for most companiesThe AGPL license is risky due to vague compliance rules, corporate resistance, and dual licensing loopholes, often limiting adoption and hindering open source growth.Sid Sijbrandij8 min read
  12. Nov 22, 2023Open source startups with growing communities benefit from passionate people, early signals of PMF, and an existing user baseOpen source startups gain a head start with passionate contributors, early product-market fit signals, and an existing user base, making adoption, hiring, and grow
  13. Nov 30, 2023Don’t listen to feedback from VCs who pass on investingVCs who pass on investing often give vague or risk-averse feedback—ignore it and focus on improving your pitch, not pivoting your business based on advice from those who don’t believe in it yet.Sid Sijbrandij3 min read
  14. Dec 11, 2023Phaser creator Richard Davey launches Phaser Studio to modernize browser-based game-buildingPhaser creator Richard Davey launches Phaser Studio to modernize browser-based game development with Phaser 4, focusing on playable ads and seamless integration across desktop and mobile.Erica Lin
  15. Mar 20, 2024Long-time open source contributor, Dr. Nick Knize, launches Lucenia Inc. for search and analyticsDr. Nick Knize launches Lucenia Inc., an open core search and analytics engine built on Apache Lucene, focusing on autoscaling, cloud cost efficiency, and a strong open-source commitment.Eric
  16. May 13, 2024Duplicati: Zero trust, fully encrypted backupDuplicati Inc. launches with OCV funding to expand its zero-trust, encrypted backup for enterprises. CTO Kenneth Skovhede will enhance its open-source core and add enterprise-ready features.Erica Lindberg3 min read
  17. May 15, 2024Open Charter gives open source users predictability amidst the licensing change trendLicense shifts by HashiCorp and Redis erode trust in commercial OSS. OCV’s Open Charter legally commits companies to keeping open-source code open, preventing unexpected licensing changes.Sid Sijbrandij7
  18. Jun 28, 2024GrapesJS creator founds Grapes Studio Inc. to bring the open-source, multi-project, no-code website editor mainstreamGrapesJS creator Artur Arseniev launches Grapes Studio with OCV to expand the open-source no-code web builder into a SaaS and embeddable Studio SDK, aiming to make web dev
  19. Aug 12, 2024Technical founders need a demand-focused co-founder from the startTechnical founders can’t go it alone—startups need a demand-focused CEO from day one. OCV’s approach to recruiting the right CEO accelerates growth and ensures product-market fit early on.Sid Sijbrandij5 min read
  20. Aug 22, 2024Introducing Locust load testing: Event-driven, test-as-code performance testing suiteLocust Technologies launches with a hosted load testing suite built on open-source Locust. Flexible, code-based, and scalable—Locust makes performance testing easy for developers and enterprises.Erica Li
  21. Aug 26, 2024Introducing External Secrets: Enterprise Secrets ManagementExternal Secrets launches to tackle secret sprawl in enterprise IT. Built on ESO, it syncs secrets across systems, automates access, and simplifies compliance—without storing sensitive data.Erica Lindberg4 min read

2024 8

  1. Sep 16, 2024Open-source creator Anthony Stirling launches Stirling PDF to build the first open-core PDF editing suiteStirling PDF goes open-core! The first open-source, self-hosted PDF editing suite is expanding with enterprise features, automation, and AI—giving users control without compromising s
  2. Jan 7, 2025Let demand steer early-stage open core product developmentEarly-stage open-core founders: Don’t overcomplicate feature decisions. Let demand guide development, stack rank requests, and price based on users. Build momentum by solving what users ask for most.Sid Sijbrandij5 min read
  3. Jan 9, 2025Announcing OCV's Catalyst ProgramOCV launches the Catalyst Program to help open-source authors grow sustainable projects with funding, strategy, and marketing support. Apply now.Open Core Ventures1 min read
  4. Jan 14, 2025When doing the “right” thing isn’t the right thingStartup success depends on focus, not just doing the “right” thing. Prioritize what drives growth now, maintain momentum, and choose the path of least resistance to reach your next milestone faster.Betty Ma6 min read
  5. Feb 21, 20255 Takeaways: Selling Open Core to the Government with Sid SijbrandijThe federal sales process is distinctly different from typical B2B sales. OCV’s founder and GP, Sid Sijbrandij, shares what he’s learned about selling to agencies in the U.S. federal government.Sid Sijbrandij5 min read
  6. Apr 21, 2025Every startup needs an AI strategyA roundtable discussion with Sid Sijbrandij on AI and open core reveals that every startup needs an AI strategy, and open core companies still have a speed advantage in the AI era.Erica Lindberg5 min read
  7. Apr 28, 2025RA.Aid: OCV Catalyst Program inaugural project sees 9X growthOCV’s first Catalyst project gets a massive boost in downloads and GitHub popularity. The open source AI coding agent combines research, planning, and implementation to help developers build softwareAlex Smith3 min read
  8. May 1, 2025Kernelize Inc. launches to bridge the CUDA moatTriton contributor Simon Waters joins as CTO to develop an end-to-end AI hardware accelerator platform.Erica Lindberg4 min read

2023 19

  1. May 7, 2025Mermaid Chart: From open source project to raising a $7.5M Seed roundCTO Knut Sveidqvist and CEO Andrew Firestone share their journey in building Mermaid Chart from inception to a Seed-funded company.Erica Lindberg7 min read
  2. May 12, 2025OpenCoreEMR launches to modernize healthcare technologyBuilding on top of the world’s leading open source electronic medical records system, OpenCoreEMR aims to create an open, intelligent, and predictive healthcare ecosystem.Erica Lindberg6 min read
  3. Jun 2, 2025Gobii launches to build the ChatGPT of web agentsBuilding on the open source framework browser-use, Gobii aims to bring the power of AI web agents to all.Erica Lindberg6 min read
  4. Jul 16, 2025Strangers to co-founders: How Kedify’s unlikely founder pairing is evolving autoscaling for the AI boomKedify co-founders Zbynek Roubalik and Jeff Fernandez are proving that sometimes the best founder relationships aren't always the most obvious.Erica Lindberg7 min read
  5. Jul 21, 2025From code to community: How Alumnium achieved 13X growth through OCV's Catalyst ProgramAt the start of the program, Alumnium had 29 stars and 2 contributors driving development. Today, it's grown to 12 contributors, over 400 stars, and more than 1,200 downloads per month.Alex Smith4 min
  6. Jul 28, 2025Building venture-scale open coreThere is no perfect playbook, but there are proven strategies you can use to build open core businesses that scale while maintaining the trust of the open source community.Sid Sijbrandij6 min read
  7. Jul 30, 2025Creator of Kubetail and YC alum: “Open source is having its Internet moment”YC alum Andres Morey sees parallels between 2007 internet skepticism and today's Open Core doubts. His Kubetail project's growth in Catalyst indicates open source companies are starting to have theirAlex Smith7 m
  8. Aug 6, 2025RamaLama Labs launches to build container lifecycle management for LLMsOpen Core Ventures (OCV) is proud to announce the launch of RamaLama Labs, a platform that brings enterprise-grade container lifecycle management to LLM deployments, built on open source ramalama.Erica Lindberg6 min re
  9. Aug 18, 2025HTTPS for AI: Garak launches end-to-end LLM security platformGarak aims to become the essential, invisible security layer that every AI system needs.Erica Lindberg4 min read
  10. Sep 29, 2025Postman for MCP: MCPJam launches enterprise testing and debugging platform for MCP serversCo-founders Matthew Wang and Marcelo Jimenez grew MCPJam OS from 200 to 1,000+ stars on GitHub during the Catalyst program. Now they're taking their entrepreneurial ambitions to the next level.Erica
  11. Oct 2, 2025Channel partners can amplify success, but they don’t create itSuccessful partnerships are a force multiplier for existing momentum, not a substitute for product-market fit or direct sales.Sid Sijbrandij7 min read
  12. Oct 20, 2025Your pricing page should be boring and predictableMost startup founders overcomplicate their pricing pages, trying to make them do too much.Sid Sijbrandij4 min read
  13. Oct 30, 2025Selora Homes launches to bring professional home installation and support to Home AssistantFounder and CTO Philippe Lafoucrière aims to back Home Assistant, the most widely used open source smart home system, with expert installation and personalized setup for a truly unified experience.
  14. Nov 5, 2025Launching RayAI to power multi-agent systems with RayRayAI is agent infrastructure powered by Ray, the compute engine behind frontier models.Erica Lindberg3 min read
  15. Feb 12, 2026OCV’s new source available license is a simple alternative to closed-source licensesOpen Core Ventures Source Available Licenses (OCVSAL) is designed to protect the proprietary components of an open core codebase while enabling code access.Sid Sijbrandij and Heather Meeker3 min read
  16. Feb 27, 2026The Open Core ParadoxWhy giving away your best work for free is sometimes the smartest path to building a billion-dollar business.Betty Ma6 min read
  17. Mar 3, 2026Introducing the Catalyst Spring 2026 Batch: Catalyst v1Meet the five projects in Catalyst v1, the first official Catalyst batch.Alex Smith2 min read
  18. Mar 30, 2026We hired a Gobii AI agent to manage OCV's tedious, repetitive FinOps tasksWe stopped doing manual portfolio audits and handed those tasks to AI agents. Here's an honest look at what we built, how it works, and how much time it's actually saving us.Will Xu2 min read
  19. Apr 16, 2026Why AI is the cheat code for open sourceAI coding agents are unleashing a wave of open source contributors, creating a flywheel that will displace closed-source vertical SaaS.Rich Aberman4 min read

2022 5

  1. Apr 22, 2026Betting on open source agentsAgents are becoming the most trusted software layer. But to build them right, they need to be open, secure, and accessible.Mark Wasuwanich5 min read
  2. Apr 27, 2026Forget world models. The next robotics giant will bring DevOps to Physical AIInvestors are focused on foundation models, world models, and VLAs. Meanwhile, every company deploying robots is rebuilding the same operational software from scratch because nobody is selling it to tAlex Smith6
  3. May 4, 2026Software is being rebuilt for agents, MCP is winning, and the tooling is still earlyThe internet's front door has moved from browsers and search bars to AI agents like Claude and ChatGPT. MCP is the protocol defining how those agents reach the software underneath.Rich Aberman4 min read
  4. Jun 5, 2026The problem with paid marketingPaid acquisition is a multiplier, not a foundation, and most early-stage founders turn it on too soon. A multiplier built on a weak foundation can do more harm than good.Rich Aberman4 min read
  5. Sep 8, 2026A Framework for Measuring ARR4 min read