OpenClaw for founders:
what actually works.
You want to use OpenClaw as your AI operator. Here's the honest breakdown of your options and what most founders actually end up doing.
Option 1: Local install (free)
Run OpenClaw on your laptop. Free, full control. But: it only runs when your laptop is on, you can't reliably schedule agents, and you can't access it from your phone or other devices.
Best for: experiments and demos. Not for daily use.
Option 2: DIY VPS (from ~$10/mo + your time)
Rent a VPS, install Docker, configure Nginx, set up DNS, handle SSL, keep it updated. Runs 24/7. But: 3–8 hours of setup, ongoing maintenance, and you're on call when it breaks.
Best for: founders with DevOps backgrounds who enjoy infra work.
Option 3: Managed private gateway (from $29/mo)
We provision and operate a dedicated OpenClaw gateway for you. Runs 24/7. Updates automatically. Backed up daily. You get a clean dashboard, not a terminal. You spend your time using OpenClaw, not operating it.
Best for: founders who want to use OpenClaw every day, reliably, without infra work.