Founder Story

    The story behind NetLock

    — Nico Mak, Founder & Lead Developer

    Nico Mak presenting at a security event

    Nico Mak presenting at a security event

    I'm Nico Mak — 30, based in Cologne, Germany. I've been building software since I was twelve, with a deep focus on IT security and reverse engineering, and spent years in low-level security and systems research before NetLock. NetLock RMM began, almost out of principle, as a one-person attempt to build a serious, modern alternative to the established RMM products. From an early prototype in 2021 to the major v3 release in 2026, it has been developed entirely independently — no external investors, no bought-in technology — with costs cross-covered by other projects.

    Transparency is the value I care about most at NetLock, so I'd rather tell this story plainly than dress it up. Trust starts with honesty about who's behind the product you rely on.

    Our Core Values

    No Tracking

    No hidden telemetry, no analytics trackers, no selling of data. Your data belongs to you — and stays with you.

    Community

    We grow together with our community. Your feedback shapes the product, and contributions are always welcome.

    Security

    Security is not an afterthought. Built with zero-trust principles and a consistent security-by-design approach.

    Absolute Discretion

    We never use our customers as a showcase. Your partnership with us remains confidential.

    Made in Germany

    Built in Germany, based in Cologne

    NetLock is developed and operated from Cologne, Germany. Everything — from the codebase to our European cloud — is built in Germany, under EU law, with data sovereignty and GDPR at its core.

    Headquartered in Cologne, Germany

    100% developed in Germany

    GDPR-compliant · EU data sovereignty

    Zero security incidents

    As of June 3, 2026 — not a single security incident since launch.

    Partners & Network

    Strong Partnerships

    Together with leading organizations and initiatives, we advance open-source IT management and digital sovereignty.

    Awards

    Gründungsstipendium NRW
    Award

    Gründungsstipendium NRW

    Honored with the prestigious founding scholarship of North Rhine-Westphalia for innovative startup support.

    Memberships

    Open Source Business Alliance (OSBA)
    Member

    Open Source Business Alliance (OSBA)

    Proud member of Germany's largest open-source network for digital sovereignty and open standards.

    Alliance for Cyber Security
    Member

    Alliance for Cyber Security

    Active participant in the BSI initiative to strengthen IT security in Germany.

    Programs & Accelerators

    Telekom TechBoost
    Accelerator

    Telekom TechBoost

    Part of Deutsche Telekom's startup program with cloud resources and mentorship for innovative tech companies.

    DWNRW Cyber Security Accelerator
    Accelerator

    DWNRW Cyber Security Accelerator

    Participant in the Cyber Security Accelerator of Digitale Wirtschaft NRW for innovative security solutions.

    Become a Partner

    Join our partner ecosystem and shape the future of open-source RMM. We collaborate with technology providers, MSPs, consultants, and industry associations.

    Get in Touch

    Technology Partner

    Integrate your solutions with NetLock RMM

    Reseller Partner

    Offer NetLock RMM to your customers

    Consulting Partner

    Support organizations with implementation

    Press & Media

    Press Resources

    Brand Assets

    Download our logo, brand colors, and visual assets for use in your publications.

    Download Logos

    Press Inquiries

    For media inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact our press team.

    Contact Press Team