Source code ownership sounds like a legal detail until you need to change developers, raise money, sell the business, fix a bug, or move hosting.
For a founder, owning the code is not about technical pride. It is about control over the product you paid to build.
Key takeaways
What you should own
You should own the GitHub repository, hosting account, domain, payment account, Apple Developer account if relevant, analytics, and any key service accounts.
What to ask before hiring
Ask who owns the repository, where the app will be hosted, whether the code is custom or licensed, what happens after launch, and whether another developer can take over.
Why handoff quality matters
Code ownership is not useful if the setup is impossible to understand.
Build with Kat's approach
Build with Kat is designed around code ownership.
What you should own
You should own the GitHub repository, hosting account, domain, payment account, Apple Developer account if relevant, analytics, and any key service accounts.
The developer can be added to your accounts during the project. They do not need to own the product to build it.
What to ask before hiring
Ask who owns the repository, where the app will be hosted, whether the code is custom or licensed, what happens after launch, and whether another developer can take over.
If the answer is vague, pause. Ownership should be clear before money changes hands.
Why handoff quality matters
Code ownership is not useful if the setup is impossible to understand. A good handoff should include the repository, environment notes, deployment access, and a plain-English explanation of key services.
The goal is not for the founder to become a developer. The goal is for the founder to have options.
Build with Kat's approach
Build with Kat is designed around code ownership. The MVP is built so the founder can own the repository, accounts, and launch setup after the project ends.
That makes the product easier to maintain, improve, fundraise around, or hand to another developer later.
Related MVP guides
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