> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://tinyhumans.gitbook.io/opencompany/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://tinyhumans.gitbook.io/opencompany/get-started/pricing.md).

# Pricing & your key

One key runs the brain. Everything else is optional.

OpenCompany is **free and open source** (GPL-3.0). The software is yours to self-host with no lock-in. The one thing you pay for is the thing that thinks: your company's brain.

## The one-key promise

`TINYHUMANS_API_KEY` is the **only required credential.** Every other integration is optional and degrades gracefully. No flow ever hard-requires a database, a funded wallet, a GitHub token, or an OpenHuman install.

* **The key unlocks** [**Medulla**](/opencompany/overview/medulla.md) — the hosted orchestrator that runs your company. Think of it as your company's brain subscription.
* **Model access and billing** live on the TinyHumans backend. OpenCompany sends work to Medulla and never touches raw model billing itself.
* Get a key and request Medulla access at [tinyhumans.ai](https://tinyhumans.ai).

## What you get without a key

Quite a lot — everything except live cognition:

* Build and inspect the runtime.
* Browse and validate every company template (`opencompany check`).
* Explore what each company *would* do, in the console's explore mode.

Add the key when you're ready to let the agents run for real.

## Optional costs you control

What can cost money is gated behind your explicit approval:

* **Your company's monthly budget** — you set a cap; the company pauses itself when it's reached, and tells you it did.

Silence never spends money. Unanswered approval requests expire to "no."