Creating a stratup with N8N?

Questions
1

Hey,

I consider creating a stratup with n8n orchestrating (part of) the back-end.

I am prototyping on a self hosted version.
But I understand that to move to production and comply with n8n policy I cannot use my self hosted version; right?

If so, is there a pedagogical user guide for aspiring-startuper-n8n-lover-…-nocoder :slight_smile: ?

If not, @jan would it be an idea to have a youTube serie about this (by the excellent Max Tkacz for example)?

Best

Information on your n8n setup

  • n8n version: Last
  • Database (default: SQLite): Postgre
  • Running n8n via (Docker, npm, n8n cloud, desktop app): Self hosted
  • Operating system: Windows
2

Hi,

As far as I understand (N8N correct me if I am wrong). You can self-host whatever scenario you like, as long as you buy the appropriate license for it.

The requirements for each scenario are detailed in the “fair use” / legal policy.

I think they even have a special “startup” license.

Reg,
J.

1 Like
3

Hi and thank you @jcuypers .

This is the response I got from an AI on the n8n Legal

Key Points:

  1. Self-Hosted n8n is Fair Use
  • The n8n Fair Code License allows self-hosting for any purpose, including commercial use (e.g., your startup).
  • You do not need to pay for n8n if you self-host it.
  1. Restrictions When Self-Hosting
  • You cannot offer n8n as a hosted service (i.e., you can’t resell n8n as a SaaS product).
  • If you modify n8n, you must open-source your changes under the same license.
  1. When You Need a Paid License
  • If you want to use n8n.cloud (their hosted version) in production, you must purchase a subscription.
  • If you want enterprise features (like SSO, advanced permissions), you need an Enterprise license even for self-hosting.

Conclusion:

:white_check_mark: You can use self-hosted n8n in production for your startup without paying, as long as you don’t repackage it as a competing SaaS product.

If you later want to use n8n.cloud (their managed service) or need enterprise features, you’ll need a paid plan. But for now, your self-hosted setup is fine.

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4

Haha great :slight_smile: just make sure it’s not hallucinating!

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