Just over eighteen months ago, we set out to help companies use and deploy open-source solutions. We've been reflecting on our journey and the organisations we've worked with. Since launching, we have:

• Worked with clients across 3 continents and 7 countries
• Trained over 150 professionals in open source best practices
• Supported AI startups, charities, international NGOs, hospitals, and more
• Brought on 10 new consultants across 4 continents
• It's not just about the numbers but also what we have learnt along the way.

Codort: Easy open-source compliance

One of the defining moments of our journey was the development of Codort®, our in-house open source compliance tool. Initially planned to support community contributors, we found through extensive market research that the real niche was in automating open-source compliance. Today, Codort is a core part of our offering, falling under our Compliance pillar. Using Codort, companies can automate self-certification of OpenChain ISO 5230 and ISO 18974, securing your open-source supply chain and giving your clients confidence in your open-source offering.

Finding Our Focus: The Four Pillars of Our Work

As our client base grew we carved out our niche. Going forward we are focusing on four core areas:

1. Community

Thriving communities are the backbone of successful open source. We've helped build international contributor networks, turn passive users into active participants, and sustain long-term contributions that keep projects healthy and resilient. We're unique in that we can offer you community managers on loan; specialists embedded in your team on a short- or long-term basis.

2. Compliance

Open source is powerful, but without proper governance, it's risky. From licensing audits and IP strategy to FAIR data practices, we help clients navigate complex compliance challenges with confidence. Our Codort tool automates compliance, ensuring alignment with OpenChain ISO standards and reducing the administrative burden on your teams.

3. Implementation

Choosing an open source license is just the beginning. We help organisations design internal open source policies, select the right tools, adopt InnerSource practices, and train their teams in Git, collaborative workflows, and community engagement.

4. Sustainability

A successful open source project isn't just built, it's maintained: technically, socially, and financially. We support long-term sustainability through bespoke revenue models, grant acquisition strategies, and capacity-building services.

Working at OSPO Now

This growth has been made possible by an incredible team who bring passion and precision to every project.

"As an Open Source Manager at OSPO Now, working remotely from Lagos, Nigeria, I leverage my non-technical background to simplify complex open source concepts. I'm passionate about making open source tools and practices accessible, and at OSPO Now, I do this by helping clients engage with communities and facilitating easier tool adoption.

The collaborative spirit of the team has been instrumental in my growth, and I'm proud to contribute to a mission-driven company that values clarity, learning, and impact."

Ruth Ikegah | Open Source Manager

"Working on the Data Science Without Borders project at OSPO Now has been exciting, deeply meaningful and an amazing learning experience. As a Community Manager, I focus on creating spaces where data practitioners across Africa can connect, share insights, and collaborate on strengthening data systems.

It's not just about building networks - it's about enabling better, more inclusive data-driven decisions, and building capacity for the next generation of data scientists. At OSPO Now I'm part of a team that prioritises leadership, growth, and long-term impact. It makes my work very fulfilling, and I am proud of it."

Precious Onyewuchi | Open Source Manager

Looking Ahead

We're incredibly proud of what we've built in our first 18 months, but we're just getting started! If you're navigating your own open source journey, whether building from scratch, scaling an existing program, or scaling your community and compliance practices, we'd love to hear from you! Here's to the next 18 months and beyond!