Murena isn’t just a company—it’s a statement. In an era where nearly every app, service, and device is tied to massive corporate surveillance, Murena dared to ask: What if we could have smartphones and cloud services without the tracking? Their answer? A Google-free smartphone ecosystem powered by /e/OS, open-source infrastructure, and user-first design.
But what does it take to build something like Murena? What skills do you need—not just technically, but philosophically—to launch a tech company that fights for user freedom rather than user capture? Let’s break it down.
1. Linux System Administration
At the heart of any privacy-first stack is open infrastructure. That means mastering Linux:
- Running your own servers (Ubuntu, Debian, etc.)
- Automating backups and updates
- Securing data with proper permissions, firewalls, and encryption
Murena’s services are self-hosted or federated—Linux is the glue that holds it all together.
2. Android OS Development (AOSP)
Murena’s flagship product, the /e/OS smartphone, is a fork of AOSP (Android Open Source Project). To build your own version:
- Understand how to compile AOSP and customize it
- Learn how to replace Google services with microG or open alternatives
- Handle OTA updates, system apps, and performance tuning
It’s not easy—but it’s powerful. You take control of what lives in users’ pockets.
3. UI/UX for Trust and Transparency
Design in a privacy-first company isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about earning user trust:
- Avoid dark patterns
- Show users what’s happening under the hood
- Prioritize usability without compromising privacy
Murena’s interface is clean, familiar, and honest—an important psychological counter to years of manipulative UX from surveillance-based platforms.
4. Open Source Project Management
To build a company like Murena, you need to embrace and lead open-source communities:
- Use GitHub or GitLab for issue tracking, collaboration, and contributions
- License your code responsibly (GPL, MIT, AGPL, etc.)
- Create documentation and onboarding guides for contributors
It’s not just coding—it’s about building a culture.
5. Cloud & Self-Hosting Proficiency
Murena offers cloud alternatives for mail, calendar, contacts, and storage. Replacing Google’s cloud means:
- Mastering Nextcloud or similar platforms
- Offering DAVx⁵-based sync options for Android
- Setting up secure web apps, containers, and domain infrastructure
You’re not just building a product—you’re hosting people’s lives.
6. Startup Grit + Ethical Vision
Finally, no privacy-first company survives on code alone. You need:
- Grit to push through early stages without big funding
- A community-first strategy instead of an ad-based model
- The conviction that tech should empower—not exploit
Murena didn’t just want to build another Android skin. They wanted to build trust. That takes more than money or talent. It takes vision.
Ready to Build the Future?
If you’ve ever dreamed of creating a tech company that stands for freedom, Murena offers the blueprint. Master the open tools. Learn to self-host. Build with ethics, not adware.
Want to take the first step? My book Home Server Revolution teaches you how to build and manage your own Linux server using Ubuntu and Samba. It’s the same philosophy: take control, own your infrastructure, and reject surveillance capitalism—one command at a time.
📘 Home Server Revolution is available now on Kindle Unlimited.
The future isn’t corporate. It’s creative, ethical, and open-source. Let’s build it.