Peppermint

What Peppermint does

Peppermint OS is a community-driven, open-source Linux desktop distribution project, founded in 2010 and operated by a small (1-10 person) volunteer team based in Saint Austell, United Kingdom. The project ships a lightweight XFCE-based desktop environment derived from Debian, Devuan, and Void Linux repositories, with minimal pre-installed packages so users can build their preferred system. The product portfolio includes Peppermint OS Flagship (Debian Trixie), Peppermint OS Devuan (systemd-free, Excalibur base with SysVinit/OpenRC/runit options), PepVoid (Void Linux-based, in development), Peppermint OS Mini (minimal net-install), ARM builds, and the Peppermint Loaded category of pre-configured variants.

Underlying technology is built primarily in Python (using Tkinter) for custom tooling, including the Bubbles ISO compiler, Kumo SSB Manager (replacing the legacy ICE SSB application), the PepTools suite (Welcome screen, Update Manager, Hub), and a Calamares-based installer with Btrfs support. The project uses a continuous delivery model aligned to upstream Debian/Devuan release cycles rather than fixed point releases. Distribution is digital-only via SourceForge, OSSPlanet mirror, FOSS Torrents, and a nightly builds repository.

The business model is non-commercial. Peppermint OS is distributed under open-source licenses at no cost with no paid tiers, no enterprise contracts, and no disclosed monetized product. Revenue (if any) consists of donations and community support only, and infrastructure is delivered via in-kind partnerships: HostColor.com (VPS hosting), FOSSHost (VPS, 2022), mintarc (email domain), FOSS Torrents, and OSSPlanet. The customer base comprises individual Linux users and enthusiasts seeking lightweight, customizable, often systemd-free distributions that run on older hardware; no select customers, enterprise accounts, or paying segments are identified.

Name

Peppermint

Legal name

Peppermint OS

Website

https://peppermintos.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Peppermint OS is a community-driven, open-source Linux desktop distribution built on Debian, Devuan, and Void Linux bases with XFCE, offering lightweight, customizable variants for individual Linux users and enthusiasts at no cost.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Saint Austell

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations

Revenue model

1. Open Source Distribution: Peppermint OS is a free, open-source Linux distribution. The project operates as a community-driven initiative without a commercial revenue model. The project accepts donations and community support but does not charge for its software.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Peppermint OS is a free, open-source Linux desktop distribution that ships a minimal XFCE-based operating system built on Debian, Devuan, and (in development) Void Linux repositories. Users receive a working desktop with the core packages needed to run the system and choose which additional applications to install, supported by a continuous delivery build pipeline and custom tools (Bubbles ISO compiler, Kumo SSB Manager, PepTools).

Product overview

Peppermint OS is a lightweight Linux desktop operating system distribution offering multiple base variants. The flagship product is a XFCE-based desktop that ships with minimal packages, allowing users to build their system with only desired applications. Product portfolio includes: Peppermint OS Flagship (Debian Trixie base), Peppermint OS Devuan (systemd-free Excalibur base), PepVoid (Void Linux rolling release in development), Peppermint OS Mini (minimal net-install), and ARM builds. Key tools include Bubbles ISO compiler, Kumo SSB Manager, Calamares installer, and PepTools suite. The distribution uses continuous delivery with updates aligned to upstream Debian/Devuan release cycles.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Peppermint OS Flagship Main desktop Linux distribution featuring XFCE desktop environment with Thunar file manager, minimal pre-installed packages, and continuous delivery model based on Debian repositories. Targets general desktop users who want a clean, customizable system.
• Peppermint OS Devuan (Excalibur) Systemd-free variant of Peppermint OS based on Devuan Excalibur, offering freedom to choose init system (SysVinit, OpenRC, or runit). Matches the Debian-based Peppermint experience without systemd dependencies. Targets Linux users who prefer systemd-free distributions.
• Peppermint OS ARM ARM architecture builds of Peppermint OS available in both Debian and Devuan variants for ARM-based devices such as single-board computers and ARM laptops.
• Peppermint OS Mini Minimal ISO builds utilizing the Debian installer for net install, providing a bare-bones Peppermint system that users customize with their preferred packages.

Quantifiable outcome

• Users report successful operation on hardware as old as 2005-2006 with only 1 GiB RAM
• +1 more outcomes

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• HostColor.comcoreOthers · 18 January 2023HostColor.com provides VPS (Virtual Private Server) hosting services for Peppermint OS builds and processes. This partnership enables the project to maintain its build infrastructure and provide ISO downloads to the community. The hosting supports the continuous delivery pipeline and mirror services.
• FOSSHostcoreOthers · 5 April 2022FOSSHost.org approved Peppermint OS's application for VPS hosting services, which helped the project prepare for future growth and infrastructure needs.
• mintarcminorOthersmintarc provides email domain services for @peppermintos.org, giving the project a professional public email address for communications.
• FOSS TorrentsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFOSS Torrents supports open-source projects by including them in their torrent pipeline, providing an alternative download method for ISOs. The partnership aligns with Peppermint's commitment to supporting the free and open-source software ecosystem.
• OSSPlanetminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOSSPlanet provides mirror services for Peppermint ISO downloads, offering alternate download locations if SourceForge experiences issues. This ensures reliable access to downloads globally.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• antiX: Lightweight, systemd-free Debian-based distribution targeted at older and resource-constrained hardware, with a strong enthusiast following. Direct competitor in the lightweight, anti-systemd desktop segment.
• elementary OS: Ubuntu-based Linux distribution with a polished, macOS-inspired desktop aimed at general consumers. Comparable as a community-developed, user-friendly desktop Linux experience.
• Linux Mint: One of the most popular community Linux distributions, offering a lightweight, easy-to-use desktop experience (Cinnamon, XFCE, MATE editions). Directly comparable to Peppermint as a user-friendly, community-driven Debian/Ubuntu-based distribution targeting the same general desktop user.
• Xubuntu: Official Ubuntu community flavor using the XFCE desktop environment, offering a lightweight, stable desktop Linux experience. Shares Peppermint's Debian-based foundation, XFCE default, and lightweight positioning.
• Lubuntu: Official Ubuntu community flavor using LXQt/LXDE for ultra-lightweight computing on older hardware. Competes directly with Peppermint in the 'resurrect old hardware' and minimal-resource desktop use case.
• Linux Lite: Ubuntu-based distribution specifically designed to revive older PCs, with XFCE desktop and a strong focus on Windows migrants. Direct competitor in the lightweight, beginner-friendly desktop OS segment.
• Devuan: Systemd-free fork of Debian offering the same package base with alternative init systems. Peppermint's Devuan builds sit on top of this distribution and inherit its user base.
• MX Linux: Debian-based cooperative Linux distribution with XFCE and KDE editions, emphasizing stability, performance, and user-friendliness on modest hardware. Comparable community-driven, lightweight alternative.
• Zorin OS: Ubuntu-based Linux distribution focused on replacing Windows, with XFCE/GNOME desktop variants and a 'Lite' edition for older hardware. Directly competes with Peppermint in the lightweight, easy-to-use desktop category.
• Puppy Linux: Ultra-lightweight Linux distribution designed to run entirely in RAM on very old hardware, offering a complete desktop in a small footprint. Competes in the same 'breathe new life into old PCs' niche as Peppermint.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/peppermintos
• GitHubcodeberg.org/Peppermint_OS
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/peppermint-linux-os

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Peppermint