Startups love speed. You’re building fast, deploying faster and open source software (OSS) is fueling that momentum. But hidden in the lines of free code are risks that can slow you down, cost you funding, or even create legal trouble.
As a CTO, your job isn’t just to ship features it’s to future-proof the product and protect the business. So before you move forward, ask yourself these 5 questions.
Whether you’re building inside Dubai’s DIFC Innovation Hub or part of a US-based accelerator in Sheridan, the answers could shape your next funding round, acquisition deal, or compliance audit.
Do You Know What’s in Your Codebase?
Your developers are using dozens — maybe hundreds — of OSS components. But do you have a centralized inventory?
If you’re relying on memory or scattered documentation, you’re not in control. Every third-party package, plugin, or snippet could carry a license, a dependency chain, or a hidden vulnerability.
Without a clear OSS compliance checklist, you’re operating blind. And in the eyes of an investor or legal team, that’s a red flag.
Explore our Open Source Compliance 101 guide to start building that visibility.
Are You Using the Right Licenses?
Not all open source licenses are created equal. Some are permissive. Others — like GPL or AGPL — can force you to open source your own proprietary code.
Do you know which licenses are active in your product? Can you explain the terms to your legal team or potential acquirer?
If you’re unsure, you need a structured approach — not guesswork. Our Open Source Due Diligence Checklist outlines what every CTO should check before the next release.
Can You Prove Compliance to Investors or Buyers?
Modern funding rounds and M&A deals now include software audits. Investors want proof that you’re not violating OSS licenses or using unvetted packages.
If you can’t show how your team tracks and manages OSS usage, you may delay or derail — critical deals.
That’s why a proper open source compliance program is more than legal hygiene. It’s a business advantage.
Are Developers Following Internal OSS Policies?
Even if you have documentation or tooling, are your developers aware of it?
Most compliance failures happen at the developer level — when someone adds a package from GitHub without checking the license, or copies code from Stack Overflow into production.
Without clear internal policies and developer onboarding, OSS risks multiply with every sprint.
Our startup guide can help you build those habits early.
Is Your Compliance Workflow Scalable?
When it’s just one developer managing licenses in a spreadsheet, things break fast.
A proper OSS compliance program includes:
- Automated license scanning
- Centralized package inventory
- Approval workflows for new dependencies
- Audit-ready reports
As you grow, these systems help you scale without exposing the company to unnecessary risks.
If you’re unsure where your workflow stands, consider an open source compliance audit to get a clear picture.
Local Tech Moves Fast — But So Do Risks
If you’re building inside DIFC, Hub71, Sheridan, or any startup ecosystem, you already know the pace is intense. New features, new hires, new deadlines.
But compliance can’t be an afterthought. One risky dependency can stall your launch or complicate your next investor meeting.
Early-stage startups often wait too long to take action. Don’t be one of them.
What’s Your Next Step as a CTO?
If answering these five questions left you thinking, that’s a good sign. It means you’re aware — and awareness is the first step toward building something stronger.
Most compliance issues aren’t about bad intent. They come from fast growth and missing structure.
But this is your chance to fix that.
A clear, well-documented open source compliance program doesn’t just reduce legal risk — it shows leadership. It tells investors and clients: “We’ve got this under control.”
You don’t need to solve it all overnight. But you do need to start.
Let’s Build Your Compliance Foundation
Compliance isn’t just a checkbox — it’s a sign of maturity. It shows you’re ready for bigger clients, bigger deals, and long-term growth.
Talk to our team today. Let’s build your open source compliance program — one that works for your tech stack, your investors, and your future.
