> 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/overview/why-it-works.md).

# Why it works

What separates a company that runs from a pile of chatbots.

Plenty of tools can call a model. Very few can run a business without you in every message. Here's what makes the difference.

## A real org chart, not a prompt

Each company is declared as a roster of agents with distinct mandates in a simple `company.toml`. The host instantiates them, coordinates them, and keeps them running. You're configuring an organization, not babysitting a chat window.

## Humans in the loop where it counts

Every template names the exact decisions reserved for you — spend, send, sign, publish. Delegate the work; keep the judgment. Anything irreversible waits in the **Approvals Inbox** with full context, and **silence expires to "no"** so nothing risky happens by default.

## Built on proven runtimes

OpenCompany is a light host over **OpenHuman** and the **TinyHumans** agent modules. It reuses their runtime — tools, channels, credentials, orchestration — instead of reinventing it. Less surface area to trust, more capability out of the box.

## Rust-fast and inspectable

An Axum HTTP surface, a small default build, and deeper capabilities behind feature flags. Simple to start, honest to operate, easy to test. You can read what it does and watch it do it.

## Degrades gracefully

The only thing OpenCompany truly requires is a single API key. Storage is a folder by default. GitHub, email, databases — all optional. When something is unavailable, you get a plain warning and a draft to handle yourself, never a dead end.

| If this breaks…          | You see…                                                             |
| ------------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| The brain is unreachable | "The company can't think right now — reconnecting. Nothing is lost." |
| You hit your budget cap  | "Your company paused itself: it reached the limit you set."          |
| A tool isn't connected   | "Email isn't connected yet — here's the draft to send yourself."     |

## Yours to own

GPL-3.0, self-hostable, no lock-in. Your company's brain state is a durable store you control.

Next: meet [Medulla, the engine](/opencompany/overview/medulla.md).