Know how to get your data out. Say you truly believe something like Cockroach will give you an advantage go for it. But then figure out how to move your dat

Know how to get your data out. Say you truly believe something like Cockroach will give you an advantage go for it. But then figure out how to move your data, write abstractions that can make it say easy to switch from Cockroach to Cassandra. Imagine you're building a software to sell to companies, you wouldn't just support one database, would you? You would build an adapter that will let the customer use Postgresql, MariaDB or MSQL server. You do the same. If you're profitable enough, you support the company, pay them so they can stay in business. Maybe have your devs contribute to the OSS part if they have that. This is something your CTO should be handling. This is also why many mature companies are not gung-ho on using new tech and like to play it safe.