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Entreprenerd: Building a Multi-Million-Dollar Business with Open Source Software
The iText story, told by its original developer. After a quarter of a century in IT, Bruno Lowagie (°1970) decided to share his experience in a book. Entreprenerd is the chronicle of his personal story as a software developer and entrepreneur against the backdrop of a fast-paced technological evolution. From overcoming his fear of going into business to bootstrapping a multi-million-dollar company, this compelling memoir is perfect for anyone who is invested in building a business with innovative technology. What the readers say: Joseph "JJ" Jacks, Founder at OSS Capital and Open Core Summit: "Bruno wrote an incredible book on his COSS journey. Mandatory reading for technical founders!" Amelia Eiras, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at Tomitribe: "This untold-saga about a developer and his project is a significant contribution to the open-source ecosystem." Leonard Rosenthol, Senior Principal Scientist and PDF Architect at Adobe Systems: "Entreprenerd is a great case study on how to develop an innovative business with cutting-edge technology." Dilip Thomas, Founder at Wurreka and Developer Summit: "Bruno shares his profound experiences as a technical founder ... you will discover the life stages of an entrepreneur and his business."
- GenresBusiness
402 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 14, 2021
8 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
November 29, 2021
As a fan of autobiographies I’m quite selective when it comes to rating entrepreneurial stories. But Entreprenerd by Bruno Lowagie has been an extremely informative, recognisable and helpful read. Although its not written in a way that brings a smile on your face while reading, the level of detail and openness is absolutely admirable. The author balances pride with frustration and obstacles with lessons-learned. I missed a bit of self-mockery or ability to put things in a more pleasant perspective. Some personal stories are really short even though they must have been extremely impactful on the author’s views on life and business. But that might be for the next book?
May 28, 2021
Very well written. Many recognisable situations, so the contents made it very relatable. Because it is an autobiography, it reads fast. Read it in one-go. Compliments to the author. Dealing with Asian cultures quite a bit myself, it did gave me some framework of reference for my own personal findings as well.
May 23, 2021
As it was a rainy day today, I started reading this morning and couldn't stop before finishing it now, nearly midnight, completely. What an inspiring journey!
As you mentioned this is not a classical text-book on business. This is instead an autobiography, better a roller-coaster where we as readers witness your transformation from a nerd to a successful business owner. You do not only write about your success but also the doubts and difficult decisions, compromises that you needed to take as a professional but also as a family man. Many thanks for sharing this passion and hope that you continue with
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicowauters/
As you mentioned this is not a classical text-book on business. This is instead an autobiography, better a roller-coaster where we as readers witness your transformation from a nerd to a successful business owner. You do not only write about your success but also the doubts and difficult decisions, compromises that you needed to take as a professional but also as a family man. Many thanks for sharing this passion and hope that you continue with
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicowauters/
October 5, 2021
Entreprenerd: Building a Multi-Million-Dollar Business with Open Source Software
“Entreprenerd” by Bruno Lowagie is definitely a book I can recommend to read.
I have enjoyed the narrative and a candid story of a true entrepreneur bootstrapping his Open Source Software business (iText) to the eight figure revenues from (Eur 300,000 in 2009 to over Eur 10 million in 2017) and realising an exit of Eur 38 million. What makes it even more impressive is the fact that Bruno has achieved all that with no external capital at all!
In the world where raising venture money is celebrated as a success, this is a fresh perspective on what a real success is. And Bruno Lowagie is a living example of the following quote: “Rising money isn’t impressive. Making money is.”
Bruno’s story is very close to my heart, he is openly and constructively talking about the entrepreneurial life rollercoaster. Where many things are happening not in the right moment and not as they were expected. The book tells about real life stories of corporations and integrators using Open Source Software to make significant revenue, where the creators of this software who actually develop and support it are usually surviving by picking the breadcrumbs.
Many times when reading Bruno’s story I could remember being in very similar situations, with the mistakes, pains and joy all intertwined together into what the life of an entrepreneur is. And many times when reading this book I caught a smile on my face, or laughed out loud. Despite the narrative telling about different experiences, this book is full of positive emotions.
If you are curious to learn a story of Open Source Software, bootstrapping a business from zero revenue to a successful exit, dealing with company valuation and M&A, navigating corporate politics and fighting for your beliefs and rights (including fighting in the court) this book is a must read!
“Entreprenerd” by Bruno Lowagie is definitely a book I can recommend to read.
I have enjoyed the narrative and a candid story of a true entrepreneur bootstrapping his Open Source Software business (iText) to the eight figure revenues from (Eur 300,000 in 2009 to over Eur 10 million in 2017) and realising an exit of Eur 38 million. What makes it even more impressive is the fact that Bruno has achieved all that with no external capital at all!
In the world where raising venture money is celebrated as a success, this is a fresh perspective on what a real success is. And Bruno Lowagie is a living example of the following quote: “Rising money isn’t impressive. Making money is.”
Bruno’s story is very close to my heart, he is openly and constructively talking about the entrepreneurial life rollercoaster. Where many things are happening not in the right moment and not as they were expected. The book tells about real life stories of corporations and integrators using Open Source Software to make significant revenue, where the creators of this software who actually develop and support it are usually surviving by picking the breadcrumbs.
Many times when reading Bruno’s story I could remember being in very similar situations, with the mistakes, pains and joy all intertwined together into what the life of an entrepreneur is. And many times when reading this book I caught a smile on my face, or laughed out loud. Despite the narrative telling about different experiences, this book is full of positive emotions.
If you are curious to learn a story of Open Source Software, bootstrapping a business from zero revenue to a successful exit, dealing with company valuation and M&A, navigating corporate politics and fighting for your beliefs and rights (including fighting in the court) this book is a must read!
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July 18, 2021I enjoyed reading the book a lot. I gained respect for the writer, well written and what an adventure iText was/is !
I also found the reading very useful for anyone involved in a (software)-startup. Thanks a lot Bruno !
I also found the reading very useful for anyone involved in a (software)-startup. Thanks a lot Bruno !
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews