The business model is the same as every other browser: monetized search, plus a small number of paid-for bookmarks.

However, Vivaldi is a small operation so it doesn't need many users.

Also, it's self-financed so there are no outside investors and the founder can do whatever he wants.

> much of the tech crowd they're trying to reach won't use proprietary software

You do realize that Chrome is proprietary, as are Safari and IE/Edge? No tech users at all?

Gmail is also proprietary....