Donating a project to the CNCF can accelerate adoption, drive collaboration, and help open source software reach new heights. But it also introduces complex questions about business models, ownership, and long-term sustainability.

In this discussion, leaders from across the ecosystem will talk about the realities of building an OSS business—from the upside of CNCF donation to the hard truths of monetization and community expectations. We’ll explore:

- Pros and cons of donating a project to the CNCF
- How CNCF donation impacts control, governance, & growth
- Why “free” OSS isn't truly free—and who pays the cost
- When users should consider commercial versions
- The role of licensing and how recent changes have impacted how OSS businesses operate and evolve
- How to align community values with sustainable business practices

This session offers honest insights for anyone navigating the intersection of OSS and business in the cloud native landscape.