From Project to Market

Max Corbani — June 30, 2025

Mid-June, I talked about open-source funding at OW2Con. While there's a lot to discuss, one of my favorite aspect is the flywheel that kicks in when you align your project, community, product, and market. Some attendees requested the visuals I used, so I'm sharing them here with added context :)

(i) the Project

Most COSS journeys start with an open-source project. Some founders build a product from day one, others start with a side project that gains traction.

(ii) the Community

Once public, the project might attract users forming a community. Ideally, users contribute to the project, increasing its value.

(iii) the Product

As the project matures, a commercial product takes shape. Should bring superior value or ease adoption vs the project. Should complete the project, strengthening its openness — see project-product fit.

(iv) the Market

The product addresses a market that pays: solve a pain, get paid (nihil sub sole novum).

(v) the Flywheel

It should become seamless for qualified users from the community to become customers... and for customers to join the community, enriching its diversity and expanding contributors' base.

Thanks to Denjell, Thomas, Fernando and the entire NGI crew for an incredible OW2Con experience.