Who Funds the Egg? Cracking the FOSS Funding Paradox

Every successful open source project starts small, but not every small project gets the chance to succeed. Here’s the paradox: funders prefer to back proven impact, yet impact requires early support. If new initiatives can’t access resources until they already “look successful,” we risk starving the very ecosystem that keeps open source innovative and diverse. This talk explores this chicken-and-egg dilemma and proposes ways to flip the script. What would it look like if we invested not only in impact already proven, but also in potential? Drawing from my experience building Pre-Seeds: Research 101, I’ll share insights into the struggles early-stage projects face (e.g., limited visibility, lack of credibility, and difficulty accessing networks). I'll also highlight the kinds of support that make a difference, sharing lessons on how these projects can be supported beyond grants. From spotlighting them on community stages and amplifying their voice online, to connecting them with mentors and fellowships — these “non-monetary investments” can bridge the gap until traditional funding becomes viable. Attendees will leave with concrete ideas for how they — as individuals, organisations, or communities — can sustain the pipeline of emerging projects, ensuring the long-term resilience of open source. If we want an open, thriving, and continuously renewing FOSS ecosystem, we need to get better at nurturing the eggs, not just celebrating the chickens.