Digital Artel
A New Kind of IT Cooperative
A place where engineers own the results of their work instead of selling them for a fixed salary.
The Problem
Engineers create products worth millions but receive fixed salaries. Bonuses are opaque. Equity is a founder's privilege. The result: burnout, layoffs, zero ownership of what you built. Corporations extract rent from your labor while you remain disposable. This is not a bug. This is the system.
The Solution
A cooperative model where every member is a co-owner. Transparent finances, democratic decisions, fair revenue distribution. Not a startup with options that will never vest. Real ownership of real results.
How It Works
Get acquainted
Tell us about yourself, your skills, and motivation. We will share the model and current projects.
Contribute
Start with a specific task in a project. Work at your own pace, no bosses, no bureaucracy.
Earn a fair share
Transparent revenue distribution. You see every number and understand exactly why you earned what you did.
Become a co-owner
Vote on decisions, influence strategy, grow the Artel as your own company, because that is exactly what it is.
Artel vs Corporation
| Digital Artel | Corporation | |
|---|---|---|
| Finances | Transparent for all | Closed books |
| Income | Revenue sharing | Fixed salary |
| Decisions | Democratic voting | Top-down |
| Ownership | Shared ownership | Zero equity |
| Balance | Flexibility and autonomy | Burnout culture |
We are forming the core team, working through the legal model, and launching first pilot projects. For the deep reasoning behind the model, read the manifesto.
Who We Are Looking For
Senior by grade is not required. What matters more is maturity of thinking and willingness to build rather than wait for instructions.
Inspiration
Mondragon
Spain, 65,000 people, since 1956
ESOP
USA, 14 million workers
RAD KOP
Russia, modern cooperative movement
FAQ
Is this utopia?
No. Mondragon in Spain has been operating since 1956: 65,000 people, EUR 12 billion in revenue. ESOPs in the US cover 14 million workers. Cooperatives are not fantasy but a proven business model.
Do I need to quit my job?
No. Start by contributing part-time to a project. When you see the model working and income growing, you decide for yourself.
How do I join?
Reach out via Telegram or the contact form. Tell us about yourself and we will discuss how you can contribute and what the Artel can offer you.
Who makes the decisions?
All members. Strategic matters are decided by vote, operational ones by the people doing the work. No shadow beneficiaries.
What tech stack?
It depends on the project. We are not tied to a single stack. What matters more is competence and willingness to build together.
Want to build together?
Join the channel or reach out directly. Let's talk.