Open Source Startup Podcast
E166: Making Open Source Reliable & Secure with Fossa
Feb 19, 2025
Kevin Wang, Founder and CEO of Fossa, shares his journey in the open source realm, emphasizing the need for tools that enhance compliance and security. He discusses the transformation from a scanning to a fixing approach in product security. Kevin highlights the challenges of fostering trust in enterprise sales and his resistance to push into AI despite market pressure. The conversation also addresses effective growth strategies for startups and the personal challenges of transitioning from founder to CEO, focusing on leadership alignment with core values.
40:06
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Fossa originated from Kevin Wang's realization that lengthy compliance and security processes hindered developers' productivity within open-source environments.
- The company's evolution from license compliance to incorporating security features reflects the industry's pressing need for comprehensive solutions amidst rising supply chain attacks.
Deep dives
The Genesis of FOSA
The idea for FOSA emerged from a personal pain point experienced by Kevin Wang as a developer. He recognized that the compliance and security checks often required lengthy processes that hindered productivity, particularly in a landscape increasingly reliant on open-source components. His conviction was fueled by the belief that a team unburdened by these bureaucratic hurdles could develop superior software. As the open-source movement gained momentum around 2013-2014, he saw an opportunity to create a company that catered specifically to the needs of developers by simplifying their access to third-party code.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
