Tobie Langel is the Founder and Principal of UnlockOpen, a boutique consulting firm that specializes in helping organizations successfully navigate open tech ecosystems.
Through his consulting firm and or pro bono, Tobie advises:
- Leading tech firms such as Google, Microsoft, Mozilla, Intel, Cisco, Postman, Airtable, and GitLab;
- Industry organizations and Standards Developing Organizations (SDOs) including OpenSSF, OpenJSF, OASIS Open, and W3C;
- NGOs, philanthropies, and policy makers, among them the Atlantic Council, OpenForumEurope, and the United Nations’ Digital Public Goods Alliance.
Before establishing UnlockOpen, Tobie led Facebook’s standards initiative, representing the company at W3C and spearheading the Web Platform Tests open source initiative as a W3C Fellow.
Tobie is well-known for having co-maintaining one of the world’s largest JavaScript libraries, editing multiple web standards implemented in all modern browsers, and for his public speaking and keynotes at key industry events.
Tobie also sits on the Board of the OpenJS Foundation, is Vice Chair of its Cross Project Council, and sits on W3C’s Board Audit Committee
How will you contribute to the board
Open source is at a critical juncture due to its exponential growth and adoption. It now faces sustainability and security challenges, legislative pressures, and upcoming standardization requirements. Additionally, open source must quickly adapt to the disruptive rise of generative AI amidst challenging macro-economic conditions, which have led to massive layoffs and reduced support and funding for open source activities.
The OSI is spearheading a number of critical initiatives in these areas, notably with the recently launched Open Policy Alliance and its efforts to define open source AI. These initiatives require substantial support to secure funding and recognition.
As a Board member, I will:
- Leverage my network spanning technology, business, policy, nonprofits, and philanthropy to help secure sustainable and recurring funding for OSI’s key efforts and build new partnerships.
- Contribute the strategic expertise acquired through my consulting work to support the foundation’s board, Executive Director, and staff.
- Leverage my understanding of the policy and standardization landscapes to help create the best possible outcomes for open source, given the ongoing legislative pressures.
- Pursue public advocacy of open source through public speaking, workshops, and round tables.
Why you should be elected
I have a unique mix of deep technical expertise, open source and standardization street creds, thorough understanding of IP concerns, industry-wide network, practical knowledge of nonprofit structure, funding, finances, and operations, and strategic perspective that make me and ideal candidate to support OSI’s board during these challenging times.
Moreover, my track record demonstrates not just strategic vision but a commitment to hands-on work. I never shy away from rolling up my sleeves and doing the work.