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Email info@openstudiolabs.com
Founding Sponsorship Guide
Alliance-Driven Investment Model
Open Studio Labs (OSLabs) is soliciting partners to invest in a "first-of-its-kind" Engineering Residency (ER). This guide offers an overview of available sponsorship opportunities. Investing companies receive multiple direct benefits, including reduced technical debt, improved security and compliance, sustainable support for critical projects, de-risking OS dependencies, and marketing (case studies, press releases, and media) opportunities. We intend to develop an alliance of organizations to proactively address the talent shortage impacting OS worldwide.
Model Overview
In early 2025, OSLabs will launch the first cohort of its’ Open Source (OS) Engineering Residency (ER). This on-site, in-person cohort will start in Durham, NC, to tackle pressing OS issues using a team-building approach impacting upstream commercial OS projects. To spotlight progress, OSLabs will provide a KPI-driven dashboard to track ongoing contributions to build quality, respect, and trust. Additionally, we aim to add three new cohorts annually, every trimester, to expand both geographically and our scope.
Sustainable Funding
To ensure sustainable funding, Open Studio Labs will be utilizing the following strategies:
- Corporate Sponsorships: Engage with companies reliant on OS software, positioning the Lab as a solution to their technical debt, security challenges, and talent shortages. This offers them direct KPIs and PR benefits.
- Government Grant Programs: Seek to create public and private initiatives and obtain funding such as SBIR and STTR to support innovation and public benefit, especially in cybersecurity and talent development.
- Revenue Sharing or Subscription Models: Develop subscription services or a revenue-sharing model in which participating organizations mutually benefit from the outcomes.
- Strategic Partnerships: Build relationships with foundations like the Linux Foundation or Apache Foundation to secure joint funding for high-priority OS projects.
By integrating these funding models, Open Studio Labs can create a balanced, sustainable approach for long-term operations.
Sponsorship Levels
- Principal Sponsor: $50,000, limited to 10 companies
- Supporting Sponsor: $25,000, limited to 10 companies
- General Sponsor: $10,000, limited to 10 companies
The floor for the inaugural 12-month residency pilot is to reach an initial investment of $500K to launch the first cohort.