From Berlin Side Project to $5.2 Billion AI Orchestrator: A Step-by-Step Guide to Building an Enterprise-Transforming Open-Source Tool

In 2019, Jan Oberhauser built n8n as a weekend side project in Berlin. He was frustrated with workflow automation tools that were both too expensive and too closed. Seven years later, n8n is embedded in SAP’s Joule Studio—the agent-building environment at the core of SAP’s Autonomous Enterprise platform—and the company is valued at $5.2 billion. This guide breaks down the exact steps that turned a personal itch into a multi-billion-dollar orchestration layer for one of the world’s largest enterprise software companies.

What You Need

• A clear pain point – Identify a recurring automation problem that existing tools solve poorly or at high cost.
• Basic coding skills – Node.js, JavaScript, or similar to build a functional prototype.
• Open-source license knowledge – Understand how to license your project for community contribution (e.g., AGPL, Apache 2.0).
• Patience for organic growth – n8n didn’t go viral overnight; community adoption takes time.
• An integration mindset – Your tool must play well with existing APIs and systems (n8n’s strength was connecting 400+ services).
• Enterprise awareness – Know what large companies need: security, scalability, compliance.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Find an Underserved Niche in Workflow Automation

Oberhauser noticed that enterprise automation tools were either prohibitively expensive (e.g., Zapier’s enterprise tier) or locked into proprietary ecosystems. His Berlin side project targeted developers and small teams who wanted a free, self-hostable, extensible alternative. Action: Survey your own workflow frustrations. List the most common tasks you automate manually and check if existing solutions require significant budget or vendor lock-in.

Step 2: Build a Minimal Viable Product as a Side Project

n8n started with a simple visual workflow editor connected to a few common services (email, Slack, HTTP requests). It didn’t try to replace everything at once. Action: Code the core engine (triggers, nodes, actions) and release it on GitHub with a clear README. Keep the scope small—focus on the one pain point that bothers you most. Use a Berlin-friendly tech stack: Node.js for speed, TypeScript for reliability.

Step 3: Open-Source It with a Permissive but Protective License

n8n chose a fair-code model (source-available with limitations on commercial redistribution without a paid license). This attracted contributions while allowing a sustainable business model later. Action: Choose an open-source license that aligns with your long-term goals. Put the code on GitHub, add contribution guidelines, and start a community channel (Discord, Slack). Engage early adopters by fixing issues and adding requested features.

Step 4: Prioritize Flexibility and Integration Over Features

n8n’s key differentiator was its ability to run anywhere (self-hosted, on-premise, cloud) and integrate with virtually any API. The company later built a node marketplace where the community could share connectors. Action: Design your tool so that each “action” is a plugin. Write a simple API wrapper pattern and document it. Encourage others to build and share nodes. Provide a pre-built Docker image for easy self-hosting.

Step 5: Gain Traction Through Developer Communities

Oberhauser didn’t spend on ads. Instead, he posted n8n on Hacker News, Reddit r/selfhosted, and spoke at Berlin meetups. The open-source nature spread through word of mouth. Action: Launch on Product Hunt, write a “why I built this” blog post, and actively answer questions on Stack Overflow. Target developer-focused channels. Give away free workshops or webinars about workflow automation.

Step 6: Pivot to Enterprise Needs Without Losing the Community

As n8n grew, it added features like user roles, audit logs, encryption, and single sign-on—things enterprises demanded. It maintained a free self-hosted version while launching a cloud paid tier. Action: Interview early enterprise users. Prioritize security, governance, and scalability. Release enterprise features alongside community updates. Communicate that free users won’t be left behind.

Step 7: Partner with a Platform Giant Like SAP

SAP needed an orchestration layer for its Joule Studio agent-building environment. n8n’s open-source nature, 400+ integrations, and proven flexibility made it the perfect fit. The partnership elevated n8n to a strategic component of SAP’s Autonomous Enterprise platform, instantly boosting its valuation to $5.2 billion. Action: Identify platforms that complement your tool (e.g., ERP, CRM, AI platforms). Offer white-label or embedding partnerships. Demonstrate how your tool lowers their integration costs and speeds up development.

Tips for Success

• Stay lean and adaptable. n8n operated as a remote-first Berlin team for years before raising major funding. Avoid over-hiring early.
• Keep the side project soul. Oberhauser continued coding alongside the team. Your passion will attract contributors.
• Document everything. Comprehensive docs reduce support burden and help enterprise buyers evaluate your tool.
• Embrace community contributions. The node marketplace became n8n’s moat. Reward contributors with swag, shoutouts, or revenue share.
• Think global from day one. n8n’s interface and docs were in English from the start. Internationalization helped it spread beyond Berlin.
• Never forget the original problem. Every feature request should pass the test: “Does this make automation cheaper or more open?”

Jan Oberhauser’s side project is now the orchestration layer of SAP’s AI platform—a $5.2 billion testament to the power of solving a real problem openly and flexibly. Whether your goal is a similar exit or simply a useful tool for fellow developers, the path is clear: start small, stay open, integrate deeply, and grow with your community.