Open Royalties is an easy way for builders to get upfront cash for new projects without setting up a new company, selling equity, or taking on rigid loans.
I created this because I kept running into the same problem: I wanted to fund my projects, but the options didn't fit.
- Banks want collateral - VCs want unicorns - Revenue-based lenders often have punishing terms
Open Royalties is a simple alternative: backers give you cash upfront, you share a percentage of gross revenue without giving up equity or control.
Two things I wanted to get right:
1. Royalties are based on gross revenue (minus only payment fees and taxes). No arguing about expenses – backers can verify their share easily, and founders are motivated to spend wisely.
2. Built-in exit protection. If you sell the project, backers get their fair share based on an agreed reference price. No "wait and hope for an exit that may never come."
Key differences from a SAFE: no equity, earnings from day one, scoped to one project (the rest of your business stays untouched).
It's designed for revenue-focused projects – indie SaaS, courses, games, side projects – not speculative moonshots.
Templates are MIT licensed. Would love feedback from anyone who's dealt with similar funding gaps.