Dear 4bby: What to Do with My Technology

I could use some advice.

Over the years, I have developed security software that I believe is of tremendous value to both businesses and home users. I tried to make a go of it as a startup without taking on investors. That has been unsuccessful in large part due to the inexperience of the team (including myself) and lack of industry connections.

I have reached a point where I need to decide where to take the company and the tech. I believe the tech can do a tremendous amount of good and feel that it addresses consumer needs that are unlikely to be adequately addressed otherwise (venture-backed companies will not see massive revenue potential in securing home users and are unlikely to address the space as a result).

From a personal standpoint, a pretty appealing outcome would be to continue developing the software full-time, distribute it for free to consumers, and make enough off user donations (or even a philanthropic benefactor who wants to see the technology made available) to make a reasonable salary. That allows me to continue working diligently on my passion while also potentially doing a tremendous amount of good.

But I do feel a strong obligation to compensate those who were part of the team even if we weren't successful in our first attempt. And I don't think that the above solution is as likely to result in that sort of outcome.

So for me it's a dilemma. Going in the consumer direction has the potential to do good but potentially at the expense of generating the sort of revenue or exit I feel would satisfy those who joined the team. Trying to find a way to monetize it in the enterprise space could satisfy that compensation of team members but likely comes at the exclusion of offering a free consumer product long term. Both have the potential to fail even if I pursue them aggressively.

So I am wondering if anyone has any advice or observations I may want to consider as I try to figure out what to do. Thanks.