Building a DevRel program from scratch can feel like launching a startup, with limited resources and immense pressure to deliver value. This session provides a strategic guide to crafting a DevRel program from the ground up, focusing on the critical first steps that lay the foundation for long-term success. We'll explore how to define your mission, set realistic goals, identify your target developer audience, and choose the right initial channels—from content and documentation to events and community forums. Attendees will leave with a practical framework for building a DevRel function that not only gets off the ground quickly but is also scalable, impactful, and deeply integrated with your business objectives. Key learnings: - Define your core DevRel mission and establish a clear set of goals and KPIs to secure buy-in and measure initial success. - Identify your target developer audience and create a focused strategy for reaching and engaging them. - Choose the right initial channels for your program, balancing foundational content with early community-building efforts.