No Feature Guards
Premium features remain accessible to free users or easily bypassed.
Missing Quotas & Pricing
Free tiers get abused, pricing is guesswork, and upgrades stall.
Broken Stripe Wiring
Entitlements don't sync, webhooks break, and users don't unlock correctly.
One-Line SDK Guards
Protect features and wire upgrades instantly.
// Copy lib/paywall-sdk.ts + npm install @openverb/sdk
import { usePaywallOS } from "@/lib/paywall-sdk";
export default function Dashboard() {
const { checkVerb } = usePaywallOS(apiKey, appId, userId, userTier);
const res = await checkVerb("pro.analytics.view");
return res.ok ? <AnalyticsDashboard /> : <UpgradeModal reason={res.reason} />;
}- Uses OpenVerb packages (@openverb/sdk) — no separate PaywallOS npm package
- Server-verified access checks (no client-side only gating)
- Usage quotas & monthly resets out of the box
- Upgrade modal + hosted checkout when access is denied
Bootstrap AI Assistant
Click the floating shoe to get guided setup.
Example conversation
How do I lock analytics behind Pro?
I've locked /analytics for Pro subscribers and added an upgrade modal. Want quota 1,000 API calls/month for Free?
Yes, add the quota.
Done. Quota applied. I'll suggest pricing experiments once you hit 50 active users.
The assistant configures guards, quotas, pricing tests, and syncs entitlements with Stripe for you.
Bootstrapping vs Raising Venture Capital
Bootstrapping is not a lesser option — it\'s an equal partner in growth. Use Bootstrap to prove traction and generate revenue. If (and when) you decide to raise, you\'ll do it from a position of strength.
| Aspect | Bootstrapping (with PaywallOS) | Venture Capital |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Grow using real customer revenue. | Grow using investor capital (equity). |
| Ownership & Control | Keep 100% equity and creative control. | Trade equity for capital; align with investor goals. |
| Speed | Sustainable and compounding; slower initially. | Faster scaling if PMF is clear. |
| Best For | Indie apps, early SaaS, side projects. | Venture-scale, winner-take-most markets. |
Explore Capital (when you\'re ready)
Learn how funding works and connect with investor programs that are friendly to developers.
Y Combinator
Batch accelerator with strong founder community and dev-tool track.
Andreessen Horowitz (a16z)
Large multi-stage firm; publishes deep guides on SaaS/infra.
Sequoia Capital
Tier-one firm with strong early-stage history.
First Round Capital
Developer-friendly seed fund focused on operator support and community.
Initialized Capital
Developer-friendly seed investor; early in many infra companies.
AngelList
Find angels, syndicates, and talent for early momentum.
SeedInvest
Equity crowdfunding platform to raise from your users.
WeFunder
Community fundraising; pairs well with early traction.