How thanks.dev is tackling the growing problem of open-source exploits
Many large companies and startups rely on open-source software created by independent developers who are underpaid and undervalued, leading to serious security exploits. Thanks.dev wants to fix this.
The unsung heroes of many startups and tech companies are open-source developers who create and maintain software that is freely available to use, according to Ian Gardiner, partner at VC firm Jelix.
The number of companies relying on open-source software to carry out their everyday operations is hard to quantify, but some of Australia’s largest and most successful tech startups like Atlassian and Canva are among them.
Armin Nehzat is co-founder at Thanks.dev, a platform that facilitates donations to open-source developers, who he describes as the “Mr Beasts of Github” (referring to the popular YouTuber, albeit without the millions he’s made from his public profile).
“Open-source software is the backbone of many companies, who rely on it for essential infrastructure, innovative solutions and cost-effective operations,” Nehzat says.
