OCV will support the initial commercialization efforts for our companies. We do not charge companies any fees. There could be certain expense reimbursement (at cost) during the company launch phase, but amounts should be minimal and not expected to be ongoing once the company’s finance systems are set up.

Emerging Commercialization

Traction around an open source software project (i.e. # of active MPRs) indicates utilization interest and active users are a great resource for marketing the company. Recommendations for turning that interest into a business model are generally for keeping the software functionality used by individual contributors free and charging around features and functionalities their managers mandate. This framework is called buyer-based open core.

Open Core Ventures will host bi-weekly meetings (see Bi-weekly meeting guide) to discuss GTM strategies and will offer additional support as needed (see details below).

OCV’s coverage areas will evolve over time based on business needs and staffing capacity. This outline is subject to frequent updates.

Formation Stage

1. Incorporate the Company
2. Establish board of directors
3. Recruit & hire first employee(s)
4. Set up bank account & company credit card account
   1. See Bank Accounts & Management
   2. In most cases, primary credit card admin responsibility will transfer to the founding team on Day 1
5. Purchase website domain name
6. File for trademark / patents (if applicable)
7. Set up business systems (i.e. email accounts, other productivity, accounting, management tools, social media accounts, etc.)
8. Engage external vendors (i.e. legal, finance, and HR teams, contract development shops, logo designer, etc.)
9. Purchase laptop for founder (upon request)
10. Create company launch content (interview founders, create OCV launch post, [optional] create company launch post)

During the formation stage, OCV may incur certain startup expenses on the Company’s behalf. OCV will invoice companies for reimbursement for actual cost incurred.