> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://handbook.opencoreventures.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://handbook.opencoreventures.com/startup-manual/readme.md). # Startup Manual OCV's Startup Manual is for founders building and growing open core companies. It includes strategic guidance from company formation through growth stages. Our mission is to enable more people to become founders, and our public handbook is a way for anyone to learn and benefit from our frameworks. Everyone is [welcome to contribute](https://gitlab.com/opencore-ventures/ocv-handbook/-/issues). ## Recent Articles from Sid Sijbrandij
Cover image
Building venture-scale open corehttps://opencoreventures.com/insights/building-venture-scale-open-corebuilding-venture-scale-oc.png
Every startup needs an AI strategyhttps://opencoreventures.com/insights/every-startup-needs-ai-strategy-sid-sijbrandijai-strategy-bp-image.png
Founder-compensated startups are default deadhttps://opencoreventures.com/insights/founder-compensated-startups-are-default-deadScreenshot 2025-11-25 at 10.24.50 AM.png
Open core split should be based on features, not on code basehttps://opencoreventures.com/insights/open-core-split-should-be-based-on-features-not-on-code-baseScreenshot 2025-11-25 at 10.25.36 AM.png
A standard pricing model for open corehttps://opencoreventures.com/insights/a-standard-pricing-model-for-open-coreScreenshot 2025-11-25 at 10.26.55 AM.png
Artificially constraining your company to one goal creates velocity and creativityhttps://opencoreventures.com/insights/artificially-constraining-your-company-to-one-goal-creates-velocity-and-creativityScreenshot 2025-11-25 at 10.27.54 AM.png
Don't listen to potential customers' "if only" requestshttps://opencoreventures.com/insights/dont-listen-to-the-last-objectionScreenshot 2025-11-25 at 10.28.44 AM.png
The Red Hat model only worked for Red Hathttps://opencoreventures.com/insights/the-red-hat-model-only-worked-for-red-hatScreenshot 2025-11-25 at 10.30.16 AM.png
Let demand steer early-stage open core product developmenthttps://www.opencoreventures.com/insights/let-demand-steer-early-stage-open-core-product-developmentScreenshot 2025-11-25 at 10.31.12 AM.png
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