Ask HN: Anyone else using open-source platforms to avoid SaaS lock-in?
I'm a solo founder trying to build a lean food delivery startup. Most of the SaaS options I explored were expensive and didn’t give me the ability to self-host, which is why I went with something different. I used a semi open-source solution called Enatega and with some developer help, we self-hosted and customized it. The learning curve was steep but worth it. I now have full control over features, costs, and user experience, but I’m still in the initial phase. Curious if others here have taken a similar path; whether for delivery, marketplaces, or other verticals. What worked for you? Any pitfalls I should watch out for as I scale? 1 comments on Hacker News.
I'm a solo founder trying to build a lean food delivery startup. Most of the SaaS options I explored were expensive and didn’t give me the ability to self-host, which is why I went with something different. I used a semi open-source solution called Enatega and with some developer help, we self-hosted and customized it. The learning curve was steep but worth it. I now have full control over features, costs, and user experience, but I’m still in the initial phase. Curious if others here have taken a similar path; whether for delivery, marketplaces, or other verticals. What worked for you? Any pitfalls I should watch out for as I scale?
I'm a solo founder trying to build a lean food delivery startup. Most of the SaaS options I explored were expensive and didn’t give me the ability to self-host, which is why I went with something different. I used a semi open-source solution called Enatega and with some developer help, we self-hosted and customized it. The learning curve was steep but worth it. I now have full control over features, costs, and user experience, but I’m still in the initial phase. Curious if others here have taken a similar path; whether for delivery, marketplaces, or other verticals. What worked for you? Any pitfalls I should watch out for as I scale? 1 comments on Hacker News.
I'm a solo founder trying to build a lean food delivery startup. Most of the SaaS options I explored were expensive and didn’t give me the ability to self-host, which is why I went with something different. I used a semi open-source solution called Enatega and with some developer help, we self-hosted and customized it. The learning curve was steep but worth it. I now have full control over features, costs, and user experience, but I’m still in the initial phase. Curious if others here have taken a similar path; whether for delivery, marketplaces, or other verticals. What worked for you? Any pitfalls I should watch out for as I scale?
Hacker News story: Ask HN: Anyone else using open-source platforms to avoid SaaS lock-in?
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August 08, 2025
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