• Why Open Source Companies Struggle: Adam Jacob on Balancing Open Source Values and Business
    Jun 7 2024

    In this episode of Hacking Open Source Business, co-hosts Avi Press and Matt Yonkovit are joined by Adam Jacob, CEO of System Initiative and co-founder of Chef. They delve into the complexities of open source commercialization, discussing Adam's experiences and opinions on the subject. Adam shares insights into building a successful open source business, balancing the ideals of open source with business needs, and his vision for System Initiative. Tune in to learn about effective open source strategies, the difference between software and products, and the role of trademarks in open source business.

    Adam Jacob's LinkedIn: / adamjacob
    System Initiative: https://www.systeminit.com/
    Chef: https://www.chef.io/

    Checkout our other interviews, clips, and videos: https://l.hosbp.com/Youtube

    Don’t forget to visit the open-source business community at: https://opensourcebusiness.community/

    Visit our primary sponsor, Scarf, for tools to help analyze your #opensource growth and adoption: https://about.scarf.sh/

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    54 mins
  • Is Sentry's FSL the solution to Open Source challenges? w/ Chad Whitacre from Sentry - EP. 35
    Jan 11 2024

    Explore the evolution of Sentry's licensing journey with Chad Whitacre in this episode of the Hacking Open Source Business Podcast (Ep. 35). Discover the motivations behind Sentry's shift from the traditional BSD license to the innovative Functional Source License (FSL). Chad delves deep into the challenges of balancing user freedom and developer sustainability in the open source landscape. Gain insights into how Sentry safeguards open source projects and whether the FSL holds the key to achieving harmony in the dynamic world of open source software. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on the future of open source licenses and Sentry's unique approach to navigating this evolving terrain.

    Chad Whitacre's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadwhitacre/

    Checkout our other interviews, clips, and videos: https://l.hosbp.com/Youtube

    Don’t forget to visit the open-source business community at: https://opensourcebusiness.community/

    Visit our primary sponsor, Scarf, for tools to help analyze your #opensource growth and adoption: https://about.scarf.sh/

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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Investing in Open Source Projects: A Venture Capital Perspective w/ Timothy Chen
    Sep 13 2023

    Dive deep into the world of venture capital, open source, and startup investments with Timothy Chen in this episode of the Hacking Open Source Business Podcast. Join hosts Avi Press and Matt Yonkovit in this insightful discussion with Timothy Chen as they explore the intricate landscape of investing in open-source projects, the evolving trends within the software space, and the challenges and possibilities faced by both founders and venture capitalists. Discover the art of VC diligence, market assessment, and the role of open source in building trust and authentic communities.

    Checkout our other interviews, clips, and videos: https://l.hosbp.com/Youtube

    Don’t forget to visit the open-source business community at: https://opensourcebusiness.community/

    Visit our primary sponsor, Scarf, for tools to help analyze your #opensource growth and adoption: https://about.scarf.sh/

    Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite app:
    Spotify: https://l.hosbp.com/Spotify
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    51 mins
  • Bootstrapping an Open Source Business: Altinity and ClickHouse w/ Robert Hodges - EP 33
    Sep 6 2023

    Join hosts Avi Press and Matt Yonkovit in this insightful discussion with Robert Hodges (CEO of Altinity) about bootstrapping a robust open source business that truly adds value to users. In today's dynamic economy, where uncertainties abound, businesses face constant cost pressures and competition from a multitude of evolving technologies. Explore with them topics related to analytics, open-source technology, venture capital, and the art of building a business that delivers unparalleled value to its users.

    Robert Hodges' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/berkeleybob2105/
    Altinity: https://altinity.com/
    ClickHouse: https://clickhouse.com/

    Checkout our other interviews, clips, and videos: https://l.hosbp.com/Youtube

    Don’t forget to visit the open-source business community at: https://opensourcebusiness.community/

    Visit our primary sponsor, Scarf, for tools to help analyze your #opensource growth and adoption: https://about.scarf.sh/

    Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite app:
    Spotify: https://l.hosbp.com/Spotify
    Apple: https://l.hosbp.com/Apple
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    41 mins
  • Keeping Open Source Open: FerretDB's Mission w/ Peter Farkas
    Aug 29 2023

    In episode 32 of the Hacking Open Source Business Podcast, hosts Matt Yonkovit (Head of Open Source Strategy at Scarf) and Avi Press (Scarf's CEO) and this week's guest Peter Farkas (FerretDB) unravel the motivations behind the creation of FerretDB, a revolutionary alternative to MongoDB, and the pivotal role licensing changes play in shaping the tech landscape. Learn about MongoDB's unique trajectory amid licensing transitions, dive into the journey of FerretDB's development and first version release, and uncover the dynamic interplay of trust-building, community involvement, and real-world application.

    Peter Farkas' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/farkasp/
    FerretDB: https://www.ferretdb.io/

    Checkout our other interviews, clips, and videos: https://l.hosbp.com/Youtube

    Don’t forget to visit the open-source business community at: https://opensourcebusiness.community/

    Visit our primary sponsor, Scarf, for tools to help analyze your #opensource growth and adoption: https://about.scarf.sh/

    Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite app:
    Spotify: https://l.hosbp.com/Spotify
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    50 mins
  • The Complexity of Open Source Business: ReactFlow, Ethical Licensing and Growth w/ John Robb - EP 31
    Aug 22 2023

    Step into the evolving landscape of technology, open source, ethics, and growth in episode 31 of the Hacking Open Source Business Podcast. Join host Matt Yonkovit (Head of Open Source Strategy at Scarf) and guest John Robb (Experience Designer at ReactFlow) through this compilation of engaging discussions where they dive into ReactFlow's innovation in dynamic interfaces, the intricacy of open source monetization, and the ethical considerations that shape software distribution. Explore the complexities of open source business decisions and open source ideals, and delve into the significance of growth that aligns with ethical and sustainable principles.

    John Robb's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnrobbjr/
    Check ReactFlow: https://reactflow.dev/

    Chapters:
    [00:00:00] Teaser
    [00:01:15] Getting to know John Robb
    [00:04:42] Inside ReactFlow and its open core model
    [00:11:44] The challenges of open source monetization
    [00:14:02] Discussion about HashiCorp's open source shift to BSL license
    [00:15:48] Open source definition: purpose or business strategy?
    [00:19:13] Ethical Open Source: Inclusion/Exclusion Dilemma
    [00:24:37] The use and misuse of 'Open Source' as a term in business
    [00:33:25] The open source quest for sustainable growth
    [00:38:38] Last words

    Checkout our other interviews, clips, and videos: https://l.hosbp.com/Youtube

    Don’t forget to visit the open-source business community at: https://opensourcebusiness.community/

    Visit our primary sponsor, Scarf, for tools to help analyze your #opensource growth and adoption: https://about.scarf.sh/

    Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite app:
    Spotify: https://l.hosbp.com/Spotify
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    43 mins
  • DevRel: Winning the hearts and minds of Developer w/ Laurent Doguin from Couchbase - EP. 30
    Jun 1 2023

    Join THE HOSS Matt Yonkovit and his guest Laurent Doguin (Developer Relations and Strategy at Couchbase) in the Hacking Open Source Business Podcast as they explore various aspects of the DevRel role in the Open Source space. From transforming into a developer-friendly organization to the vital connection between Developer Relations (DevRel) and Sales, they discuss strategies, challenges, and future trends. They highlight the importance of understanding different types of developers, optimizing recruitment, integrating technologies, and collaboration between departments. The podcast also covers topics like community management, technical understanding in sales, and measuring value and metrics.

    Laurent's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ldoguin/
    Latest Couchbase Capella Release: https://www.couchbase.com/press-releases/latest-couchbase-capella-release-features-new-developer-platform-integrations-and-greater-enterprise-features/

    Checkout our other interviews, clips, and videos: https://l.hosbp.com/Youtube

    Don’t forget to visit the open-source business community at: https://opensourcebusiness.community/

    Visit our primary sponsor, Scarf, for tools to help analyze your #opensource growth and adoption: https://about.scarf.sh/

    Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite app:
    Spotify: https://l.hosbp.com/Spotify
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    51 mins
  • Raising Venture Capital for Open Source Startups - Insights and Tips - Ep.29
    May 16 2023

    In this episode od the hacking Open Source Business Podcast, hosts Avi Press and Matt Yonkovit discuss with Amanda "Robby" Robson, a software infra seed investor based in San Francisco, all about investing in open source startups. She shares her journey into tech banking and venture capital, her insights on raising Series A funding for open source companies and discusses the importance of pre-seed and seed stage. She also gets into the difficulties early-stage open source businesses face, the evolution of monetization strategies for open-source businesses and much more.

    Robby’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-robson-7227685b/
    Can My Open Source Company Raise Series A? - Medium Blog Post: https://medium.com/cowboy-ventures/can-my-open-source-company-raise-series-a-69a00e56f475

    Checkout our other interviews, clips, and videos: https://l.hosbp.com/Youtube

    Don’t forget to visit the open-source business community at: https://opensourcebusiness.community/

    Visit our primary sponsor, Scarf, for tools to help analyze your #opensource growth and adoption: https://about.scarf.sh/

    Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite app:
    Spotify: https://l.hosbp.com/Spotify
    Apple: https://l.hosbp.com/Apple
    Google: https://l.hosbp.com/Google
    Buzzsprout: https://l.hosbp.com/Buzzsprout

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    54 mins