Open Core Ventures (OCV) is handbook first and public by default. Our handbook is continuously updated to reflect the current status of operations and is subject to change. OCV founders and team members should check the handbook frequently for the most up-to-date information. We document our policies, processes, and points of view in our public handbook so people outside of OCV can benefit from it. Avoid unstructured content when contributing to the handbook.
This is a public handbook. Do not add personal or confidential information. For security reasons, we do not name our internal systems, vendors, or list direct contact details. This document should not be relied on for legal or investment advice.
Open Core Ventures forms new open-core companies around existing open-source software projects. OCV operates differently from traditional investor firms, incubators, and studios. Founders should familiarize themselves with OCV’s business model to ensure alignment before signing an offer letter. OCV does not invest in existing companies.
Founder Resources
Working with OCV
Prospective FoundersOCV Operating PrinciplesOCV & Founder Relationship
Founder Onboarding
First DayFirst Week Board of Directors and Board ApprovalOffice HoursGoal SettingMonthly Investor UpdatesRaising a Seed
FundraisingCap Table ConcernsNotes to CEOsProduct
Building the ProductFinding Product Market FitGrowth
PricingMarketing & BrandingSalesLegal
Legal TeamBoard Meetings and Annual Meeting MinutesPrivacy PolicySoftware Licensing TermsSubscription AgreementsTrademark ProtectionTerms of UseOCV Support Scope
Formation StagePre-Seed (First 18-24 Months)Growth Stage (Post-External Funding)Wind DownCompany Launch AnnouncementVendor Deals for OCV CompaniesHiring
AdvisorsCo-Founder InterviewsGlobal Workforce ConsiderationsLeverage External RecruitersProspective CEOsRecruiting for OCV CompaniesPeople Operations
Compensation & BenefitsOnboarding PayrollPublic Handbook & TemplatePhishing/Sexual Harassment Prevention TrainingPerformance EvaluationStock OptionsTeam ClassificationTerminationsTracking Employee PTOFinance
Finance Operations for OCV CompaniesRunway & Operating BudgetSecurity
SecurityOCV Employees
How the OCV firm operates excluding the interaction with the outside world and the portfolio companies. This section defines processes and procedures for the OCV team.