I have worked part-time (hardware technician) at two US-based companies, entirely open-source (including firmware), that are still profitable (one for decade+).

I have worked part-time (hardware technician) at two US-based companies, entirely open-source (including firmware), that are still profitable (one for decade+). My limited understanding (finance side) is that most customers prefer to buy from (even open-source) companies, for several reasons: 1) They don't have time/desire to assemble hundreds of components, prefering drop-in solution 2) Our manufacturing facility has experience / protools, produces products within tighter tolerances 3) Many people understand their own manufacturing limitations and would prefer warranted solutions, without their understood dangers of DIY I personally dropped out of US grad school because it was the antithesis of open-source licensing. Disclosure: I am an AMD shareholder, excited about this recent announcement