Disrupting Data Analysis with Avi Press

Join host Charna Parkey as she sits down with Scarf’s CEO and Founder Avi Press in a riveting exchange about his pioneering journey into the world of open source with Scarf. Learn how Avi challenges conventional data analytics and collection, aiming to reshape industry standards through the power of open source. A conversation that delves into altering analytics norms, innovative monetization strategies, and the exploration of alternative licenses like BSL. Avi’s insights offer a unique perspective on the transformative role of open source in driving data analytics forward, fostering community engagement, and encouraging transparent development. 

Episode timestamps

(02:15): Challenges of collecting open source usage data

(22:06): Driving impact with open source usage data

(28:27): Avi's entrepreneurial journey

(39:42) Persistence and vision in startups

(44:03) Tracking outcomes to stay motivated

Quotes

Avi Press

“I mean, one thing is, for any project that you might be thinking about doing or any initiative that you want to work on or goal that you have, I think there's a lot of power in just trying the thing. You may not have all the details figured out, but just try it anyway and see where it takes you. And I think a lot of projects that I've ever worked on that led anywhere, I didn't know all these details, but I just start trying and seeing what works anyway and being very open to it not working out, but attempting it anyway. And then the other thing, which is I think admittedly fitting into our agenda at Scarf, but it is something that I really believe, which is that for any of these things you're doing, tracking the outcomes of that thing is very, very  important and will both be tactically helpful, but also I think, like you said, give you these inspirational moments that keep you going, whether that's awe or inspiration or fulfillment or whatever that feeling is that helps you keep going. I think that tracking the outputs of your work such that you can understand the impact that you have is both very strategic and the most rewarding way to do anything, I think”.

Charna Parkey

“Given the venture-backed nature of a lot of these startups, there's going to have to be some sort of monetization at some point. You're not gonna have 1 million, 10 million, 40 million dollars dumped into just giving software away for free. So sort of these misaligned motivations are certainly what raised my hackles where I'm like, oh, you're claiming forever or you're claiming that you're like a values-driven organization, but you're venture-backed and you need to make money. And so show me how those motivations align or misalign. Tell me what your monetization strategy is gonna be. I know you need one. That way I'm not wondering, should I use this? Should I not?”

Links

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