THEME
Open Startups
So, there's this wave in the startup scene where companies are ditching the smoke screens. We're talking radical transparency - showing off metrics, financials, and all the behind-the-scenes stuff usually kept under lock and key. The goal? Make startups as open as your favorite GitHub repo. It's all about vibing with openness, keeping things legit, and making sure the community's in the loop.
Now, let's chat about what's pushing this trend. Big nod to open-source software. There's chatter that commercial open-source software (or COSS, for those in the know) is the next big leap. Think about it: we had our era of boxed software with the big guns like Oracle and Microsoft, then moved onto the proprietary giants like Salesforce and Dropbox. Now? COSS is taking the stage. Think GitLab, Elastic, MongoDB - the list goes on (shoutout to OSS Capital for the deep dive).
And here's the kicker: if we're all about keeping code open, why stop there? Why not spread that open ethos beyond just lines of code? Starting with sharing stats is cool, but imagine taking it further – showcasing finished projects and then, the big move, teaming up for collaborative building. We're not just talking GitHub for code but for everything. It's a path to creating companies that don't just chase numbers but actually gel with our core human vibes, pushing for real ethics and teamwork.
MOTIVE
Why Open
So, here's the lowdown on open startups. They're all about laying their cards on the table. By sharing data, they’re basically saying, "Here's what we’re up to. No smoke and mirrors." This straight-up approach means they're less likely to pull shady moves since everyone’s watching.
For the crew inside, that transparency means no guesswork. Everyone knows what's up, from the intern to the CTO. On the growth side, being open is kinda like having an organic vibe. It draws in folks who appreciate authenticity, whether that's consumers, geeks, or top talent.
Now, when it comes to funding, open startups are like an open book for investors. No need for those marathon PowerPoint sessions. The numbers are out there; it's streamlined, no fluff. And when you've got your metrics out in the wild, you've got to walk the talk. No place to hide means leadership stays on point.
And, let's not forget the community. It's less of a "them-and-us" and more of a collaborative jam session. Everyone’s riffing, giving feedback, and feeling part of the journey. Open startups? They're not just companies; they’re like tech's open-mic nights where everyone's invited.
CASE
Where we are today
We are talking about a small community of startups that refer to themselves as "open". Maybe there are hundreds, but not likely thousands. Dashboards on their own websites (usually found under the slug /open) transparently display the statistics that define the company.
Almost every open startup customizes this page. Data sources are manually connected and graphically presented.
A good example is Documenso, whose open page can be seen in the video below.
ROADMAP
Private to Public
1990s Open source software communities promote transparency, collaboration, and sharing. This mindset influences founders.
2010s Companies like Buffer, Ghost, Baremetrics begin openly sharing their revenues, user metrics, and even employee salaries, sparking curiosity and interest.
2020s The next generation of open startups calls for a cohesive ecosystem and community, asking other startups to unite and support each other more.
Soon Platforms and communities emerge which make it easier for startups to share metrics and much more, providing standards and benefits for members.
Late 2020s These platforms which allow for various stakeholders to interact with companies become places to operate companies in public.
2030s Work, collaboration, engineering, marketing, support, fundraising, all sorts of company interactions become open and public.
Collectivize Open Startups
Imagine if a sports team decided for itself who it plays against, published the results on its own website, and created its own ranking. There would never be an actual ranking, structure, or even a champion, as long as the clubs wouldn't agree to centrally controlled standards and structures.
The fact that startups are open and show what's happening in their company is fantastic.
Though it's just an early step in a larger process. The next step is defining standards and structures and committing to central governance.
Currently, the data of each individual company is isolated and static on their website. Making it dynamic is the next step. A service reducing the work to create and maintain an /open page could be a way to get there.
Centralize Data
Centralize & collectivize data
Imagine if a sports team decided for itself who it plays against, published the results on its own website, and created its own ranking. There would never be an actual ranking, structure, or even a champion, as long as the clubs wouldn't agree to centrally controlled standards and structures.
The fact that startups are open and show what's happening in their company is fantastic.
Though it's just an early step in a larger process. The next step is defining standards and structures and committing to central governance.
Currently, the data of each individual company is isolated and static on their website. Making it dynamic is the next step. A service reducing the work to create and maintain an /open page could be a way to get there.
Centralize & collectivize data
Imagine if a sports team decided for itself who it plays against, published the results on its own website, and created its own ranking. There would never be an actual ranking, structure, or even a champion, as long as the clubs wouldn't agree to centrally controlled standards and structures.
The fact that startups are open and show what's happening in their company is fantastic.
Though it's just an early step in a larger process. The next step is defining standards and structures and committing to central governance.
Currently, the data of each individual company is isolated and static on their website. Making it dynamic is the next step. A service reducing the work to create and maintain an /open page could be a way to get there.
Centralize & collectivize data
Imagine if a sports team decided for itself who it plays against, published the results on its own website, and created its own ranking. There would never be an actual ranking, structure, or even a champion, as long as the clubs wouldn't agree to centrally controlled standards and structures.
The fact that startups are open and show what's happening in their company is fantastic.
Though it's just an early step in a larger process. The next step is defining standards and structures and committing to central governance.
Currently, the data of each individual company is isolated and static on their website. Making it dynamic is the next step. A service reducing the work to create and maintain an /open page could be a way to get there.
Centralize & collectivize data
Imagine if a sports team decided for itself who it plays against, published the results on its own website, and created its own ranking. There would never be an actual ranking, structure, or even a champion, as long as the clubs wouldn't agree to centrally controlled standards and structures.
The fact that startups are open and show what's happening in their company is fantastic.
Though it's just an early step in a larger process. The next step is defining standards and structures and committing to central governance.
Currently, the data of each individual company is isolated and static on their website. Making it dynamic is the next step. A service reducing the work to create and maintain an /open page could be a way to get there.
Centralize & collectivize data
Imagine if a sports team decided for itself who it plays against, published the results on its own website, and created its own ranking. There would never be an actual ranking, structure, or even a champion, as long as the clubs wouldn't agree to centrally controlled standards and structures.
The fact that startups are open and show what's happening in their company is fantastic.
Though it's just an early step in a larger process. The next step is defining standards and structures and committing to central governance.
Currently, the data of each individual company is isolated and static on their website. Making it dynamic is the next step. A service reducing the work to create and maintain an /open page could be a way to get there.
RESOURCES
On a Path of Online, Custom & Decentral
Article by Hacker Noon
Twitter thread with a critical note on the marketing theme
A venture fund run by Joseph Jacks dedicated to commercial open-source software
