Building a Modern Open-Source CRM Platform for Startups and SMBs

BottleCRM was built as a self-hosted, open-source alternative to expensive CRM subscriptions — combining CRM workflows, invoicing, and support into one modern full-stack product.

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Category

Product Engineering / Open-Source SaaS Platform

Project Type

Internal product / open-source platform

Audience

Startups, SMBs, and self-hosted software users

The Problem

Small businesses and startups often face a bad choice: pay for expensive subscription-heavy CRMs or use rigid, outdated systems that are difficult to customize or self-host.

BottleCRM was built to offer a modern alternative — one that gave teams control over their data, self-hosting flexibility, practical CRM workflows, and zero recurring subscription pressure.

What We Built

  • contact, account, opportunity, and task management
  • support / case management workflows
  • invoicing and operational workflows
  • team management with role-aware access
  • comments, attachments, tags, and activity tracking
  • mobile support and self-hosted deployment model

Relevant Service Lanes

BottleCRM is one of the clearest public proofs of MicroPyramid's product engineering depth and open-source engineering credibility.

Product Engineering

Proof of full-stack SaaS, self-hosted workflow delivery, and senior product execution.

Open page

Open Source Software

Public proof that MicroPyramid ships real technical assets, not just private client work.

Open page

Portfolio Hub

See how this internal product sits alongside other public case studies and client platforms.

Open page

Why This Was More Than “Just a CRM”

BottleCRM needed to combine product usability, self-hosted/open-source flexibility, and serious full-stack architecture — while staying practical for startups and small teams.

designing a useful SMB-focused CRM without bloating the product with enterprise complexity

building a modern full-stack experience across Django REST, SvelteKit, and Flutter

supporting multi-tenant product architecture with PostgreSQL Row-Level Security

making an open-source, self-hosted product feel modern and usable

supporting operational workflows beyond simple sales record management

Technology Stack

DjangoDjango REST FrameworkPostgreSQLPostgreSQL Row-Level Security (RLS)SvelteKitFlutterRedisCeleryAWS S3AWS SES

Outcome

  • launched publicly as an open-source CRM platform
  • delivered a self-hosted, full-stack product foundation for startups and SMBs
  • combined CRM, invoicing, and support workflows in one product
  • reached roughly 2,000 users/adopters in the first 3 months
  • created a public GitHub product with ongoing customization interest from the community

Need to Build a Workflow-Heavy Product or Open-Source Platform?

If you need a senior engineering partner for a self-hosted platform, operational product, or full-stack SaaS build, MicroPyramid can help.

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