Who are we?
Autonomic is a hive mind of 11 people around the world turning gentle chaos into websites, infrastructure and design. We share 1 email inbox, we make decisions using consensus and we all get paid the same. Although we are registered and based in the UK, we have members across four continents.
What do we do?
We build technologies and infrastructure to empower users to make a positive impact on the world. All of our services reflect our commitment to our core values of sustainability, transparency and privacy. We use technologies from the best free and open source software projects available. Your data under your control.
Quick facts
| Website | https://autonomic.zone/ |
| Industry | Digital, Media & Education |
| Founded | 2019 |
| Turnover | £150,000 |
| Workers | Freelancers |
| Members | 11 |
| Who are the members? | Self-employed |
| Governance | Sociocracy |
| Pay | Equal pay |
| Legal form | Co-operative Society |
How do we operate?
All members have an equal share and say in decisions. We have three tiers decisions, with a Large Decision requiring full consensus.
We organise in circles which can make their own decisions. Circles feedback to other circles as required. We are pragmatically influenced by the latest advanced in liberatory cybernetics, sociocracy and practices of care.
Where did we come from?
The idea for Autonomic were discussed back in 2017 at the Chaos Communications Congress. We came from a loose nit community of fellow travellers both online (primarily Fediverse and Secure ScuttleButt) and in person (IWW union, co-op scene).
We were mostly alienated workers from either the tech or hospitality sectors sick of exploitation and burn out looking for a better way.
Why are we a co-op?
We treat each other with a level of respect and kindness that many of us have not experienced at work before.
We’re also really proud of our welfare fund which provides money to members (no questions asked) when they need it most.
Lessons learned
Finance admin and basic business skills are essential.
Never compromise your principles. If you stay strong you may have less but if you do compromise, you’ll ultimately have nothing.