Why Yozu Backs Open Source

In today’s tech landscape, open source isn’t just a development choice — it’s a strategic advantage.

From Rails powering Shopify to React driving Facebook’s frontend, the world’s most successful companies run on it. But the real opportunity isn’t just in using open source — it’s in shaping it.

At Yozu, we’ve seen firsthand how open source fuels innovation, attracts talent, and builds community. That’s why we launched the Yozu Open Source Heroes Initiative (or YOSHI) — our commitment to creating, sharing, and contributing to the tools that power modern development.

In this article, we’ll share our ideas (and the benefits!) of using open source software.

What Is Open Source?

Open source software is code released under a license that allows anyone to view, modify, and distribute it. It’s built on 10 key principles that keep it free to use, adapt, and share.

The term was coined by the Open Source Initiative in 1998 to move away from the confusion around “free” software (think “free as in speech,” not “free as in beer”). Licenses don’t prevent companies from charging for products or services built on open source, and they don’t require contributions back, though many businesses choose to give back. Vercel funds the development of Next.js, Shopify contributes heavily to Rails, and countless other companies invest in the projects they rely on.

Some critics worry that publishing code exposes it to security risks or makes it easy to copy. In practice, the opposite is true: open code is reviewed by more eyes, which means vulnerabilities are found and fixed faster. Public scrutiny improves code quality, and contributions from around the world help projects evolve rapidly.

Open Source at Yozu

We rely on open source every day — Linux servers, Docker, Ruby on Rails, React, and more. We know it’s not just for hobbyists hacking away on weekends — it’s a powerful driver of business innovation, efficiency, and culture.

Recently, we asked ourselves: what if we didn’t just use open source… What if we actively built it?

That question led to the establishment of YOSHI. Since launch, we’ve created a Rails gem to improve authentication generators, submitted pull requests to Rails and Stimulus, and started planning our own Rails apps, JavaScript libraries, and Ruby gems. Our Chief Creative Officer, Andrew Whittaker, was also inspired to publish his first WordPress plugin. The Open Source ball is rolling and starting to pick up pace!

Creative Ways to Engage with Open Source

Open source isn’t limited to big, complex projects — small contributions can have a significant impact. You can start by solving an internal problem—build and share a tool that fixes a pain point you face every day.

If your team works with WordPress, consider creating a plugin that helps the marketing team work smarter. For development workflows, writing a Rails generator can automate repetitive tasks and save valuable time. Creative contributions matter too. You might design an icon set or font, since visual assets can be just as beneficial as code.

Another approach is to contribute to existing projects by fixing bugs, improving documentation, or adding features to tools you already use.

You could also publish a mini JavaScript library, turning a clever snippet into something reusable. Alternatively, you can develop a CSS framework to share your design system with the wider community.

Why It’s Good for Business

Contributing to open source offers tangible returns. It enables your team to expand their skills by connecting with external experts, fostering learning and collaboration that transcends internal boundaries.

It’s also a chance to explore new technologies and safely experiment with tools that haven’t yet been added to your stack. New workflows, such as Shape Up or Kanban, can be tested without introducing risk to critical projects.

Open source provides a way to validate ideas quickly. By launching features early, you can gather community feedback and refine them for better results. Along the way, you can build reusable assets that serve multiple projects, saving time and effort in the future.

As your work gains visibility, your organisation’s reputation can grow, joining companies like 37signals, Thoughtbot, and Evil Martians in being recognised for technical leadership. Most importantly, contributing gives back to the ecosystem that has helped you succeed.

Getting Started

Once you’re ready to dive into the Open Source world, here’s a quick checklist of how you can get going:

• Pick a Small Project – A bug fix, utility, or helper script is enough.
• Spot Pain Points – Look for problems your team solves repeatedly.
• Get Inspired – Browse trending repos or GitHub topics in your stack.
• Make Time – Try “Open Source Fridays” or lunchtime build sessions.
• Ship Quickly – Release early, improve often.

Final Thoughts

Open source isn’t just about code — it’s about culture. It’s about fostering creativity, autonomy, and collaboration.

When you integrate open source into your business strategy, you don’t just make tools — you build credibility, capability, and connections.

So gather your team, choose an idea, and put it out there. The open source world is ready!