Open source success is often measured in GitHub stars and downloads, but the projects that truly endure share something deeper: a principled brand that earns trust over time. This session explores how building a powerful brand in open source starts with a solid foundation... transparent values, genuine community engagement, and a user-first mindset.
Drawing from DBeaver’s 14-year journey, from a solo developer’s hobby project in 2010 to a universally beloved database management tool with over 8 million users, we’ll examine the key principles that differentiate thriving open source brands. You’ll learn how DBeaver’s founders chose authenticity over hype, why the beaver mascot represents hard work, diligence, and the shared values of its community, and how maintaining open channels of feedback transformed everyday users into passionate advocates.
We’ll dive into the practical strategies behind building a helpful, responsible brand voice: prioritizing user problems over promotional noise, fostering inclusivity, and listening... even when the feedback is hard to hear. You’ll see how these principles make the transition from grassroots open source project to sustainable, profitable business seamless. Unlike cautionary tales of open source companies that lost community trust through restrictive licensing or corporate overreach, a principled approach creates value for both the community and the company.
Key takeaways include:
• How to define and communicate core project values that resonate with developers and users alike
• Practical tactics for fostering genuine community engagement and turning users into ambassadors
• Strategies for balancing openness with commercial sustainability, without alienating your base
• Real-world lessons from DBeaver’s open source path
Whether you’re a project maintainer, developer advocate, or entrepreneur, this session offers actionable guidance for building an open source brand that lasts.
