Codeberg runs open source Forgejo, and you could on-prem that too (for no license cost), if it suits your needs.

GitLab is more powerful in some ways, but early startups might want to look at Forgejo first.

> but early startups might want to look at Forgejo first.

Sorry, but there are a million things to do. Paying someone to self-host Forgejo isn't even on that list. We'll just pay someone at the moment.