Open Content

Steward-ownership is diverse and multi-faceted, bringing together start-ups, SMEs and large corporations, and combining modern with traditional entrepreneurship, economic sustainability with economic efficiency. Here you will find a selection of different materials on and around steward-ownership.

With the Purpose Foundation‘s open content materials, we want to share knowledge, information and experiences on steward-ownership to make steward-ownership widely accessible and known and to support stakeholders, such as entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, lawyers, tax advisors, in different regions of the world in their implementation. Click here for more information on the rights of use for the Open Content materials created by the Purpose Foundation.

Enjoy reading, listening or watching.

Ted X – Transforming ownership to create a better economy

03/2024 | #basics, #watch, #historyofso, #inspiration

A Tedtalk about the beginnings and basics of steward-ownership: a proposition to rethink ownership and to create an economy where companies are owned by the most able, not by the highest bidder and where a purpose is at the heart of every company’s DNA.

Toolkit for Steward-Ownership

03/2024 | #basics, #read, #implementation, #inspiration, #start-up, #stories, #transformation

A collection of materials and information to inform, guide and support you on your journey towards steward-ownership. A must-read for entrepreneurs who are considering steward-ownership as an ownership structure for their business.

Steward-ownership: Rethinking ownership in the 21. century

09/2023 | English, #basics, #read, #finance, #historyofso, #SME, #start-up, #transformation

This book is the foundational work for rethinking corporate ownership for the 21st century. In articles, interviews and case studies, the concept of steward-ownership as a tangible option for self-determined and purpose-driven companies is outlined in theory and practice.

Money, Power, and Stewardship: Decoding the “OpenAI Saga” of 2023

01/2024 | English, #basics, #listen, #inspiration, #stories

This article provides insight into the OpenAI Saga of November 2023 and the interplay of ownership, governance, and power dynamics regarding OpenAI and its role as a forerunner within the field of AI. It lays the basis for exploring OpenAI’s ownership structure from a steward-ownership perspective.

Case Study: Vyld

04/2024 | English, #read, #finance, #inspiration, #start-up, #stories, #transformation

A must-read for anyone who’s interested in steward-ownership aligned financing. German start-up VYLD seeks to promote menstrual health while saving the oceans. Their mission is to produce innovative, eco-friendly, and healthy products made from seaweed, starting with tampons.

OpenAI in the Context of Steward-Ownership

01/2024 | English, #basics, #read, #implementation, #inspiration, #stories

The second article of the OpenAI-series explores OpenAI’s ownership structure from a steward-ownership perspective. Outlining the technical requirements, it shows that it is important to bring the ownership structure to life with stewardship in order to be able to benefit from its potential.

Stapelstein®

04/2024 | #read, #finance, #implementation, #inspiration, #SME, #stories

The founders of Stapelstein® have been looking for ways to regain control and secure the independence of their company. The transition to steward-ownership, strategic and steward-ownership aligned buy-outs from old investors have enabled them to do so in the long term. Read more in this case study.

The Patagonia Structure in the Context of Steward-Ownership

09/2023 | English, #basics, #read, #education, #implementation, #SME, #transformation

An article about Patagonia's new ownership model. Yvon Chouinard's shift to steward-ownership sparks debate and redefines corporate ownership. With the realignment of profit and purpose, Patagonia is paving the way for a paradigm shift in business dynamics and inspires entrepreneurs worldwide.

OpenAI & Bringing Steward-Ownership to Life While Playing on the Field of Capitalism

01/2024 | English, #basics, #read, #finance, #implementation, #stories

The third article of the OpenAI-series looks at the events of November 2023 around the ousting of Sam Altman and the role of OpenAI's ownership and governance structure. It draws learnings from the case particularly in regards to an intentional design of governance, financing and stewardship.

Ragnarson Invest: Steward-ownership – securing the purpose of your company

09/2023 | English, #basics, #listen, #finance, #inspiration, #start-up, #stories

In episode 20 of the Ragnarson Invest podcasts, Achim Hensen talks about his motivation for founding Purpose as well as the opportunities, potentials but also challenges of this alternative ownership model.

ChangeNOW2024 – Governance and Ownership: Let’s finance new corporate models

04/2024 | English, #basics, #watch, #finance, #inspiration

The full session on “Governance and Ownership” of this years’ ChangeNOW – with discussions and insights into How can we finance models that reconcile business and long-term purpose? What is at stake for investors in the relationship with their portfolio companies and their own clients?.

Tech and Trees – #14 Jakob Willeke & Steward-Ownership

09/2023 | German, #basics, #listen, #finance, #inspiration, #start-up

Jakob Willeke is a guest on the Tech and Trees podcast – a podcast about the potential and role of climate tech companies. In episode 14, Jakob talks about his work at Purpose and the potential of steward-ownership for businesses, the economy and society.

Steward-Ownership. A short guidebook for legal frameworks.

09/2023 | English, #basics, #read, #education, #implementation

A guidebook outlining alternative ownership models and inclusive finance structures. The booklet provides an introduction to the concept of steward-ownership and presents different ways in which companies can embed the principles of steward-ownership and adopt steward-ownership structures.

Effects of Steward-Ownership as a Corporate Ownership Structure: Evidence from Denmark

03/2024 | #basics, #read, #education

An examination of research from Denmark discussing steward-ownership as an alternative corporate ownership structure and outlining its potential for fostering resilient, purpose-driven businesses that i.e. demonstrate ownership longevity, employee satisfaction and contribute to societal stability.

Banca Ética Latinoamericana

04/2024 | #basics, #listen, #finance, #inspiration, #stories

A case study about Banca Ética Latinoamericana, a steward-owned pioneer in the financial sector and known for its innovative approach to operations and decision-making, which are guided by a clear purpose, promoting human well-being, social cohesion, and environmental regeneration.

Purpose Projects: #25 Camille Canon – What does it mean to be a purpose-driven business?

09/2023 | English, #basics, #listen, #finance, #inspiration, #stories

In this podcast, Camille Canon (co-founder Purpose US) talks about steward-ownership and why there is no way around it when talking about purpose in today’s corporate world. A technical yet fascinating conversation with examples from inspiring purpose-driven companies like Firebrand Artisan Bread.

Case study: Wildplastic

03/2024 | English, #read, #finance, #implementation, #inspiration, #socent, #start-up, #stories

A case study about Wildplastic, outlining the startup’s mission and founding journey to set up a steward-ownership structure and including a deep dive into their two financing rounds shaped by finding aligned and non-extractive funding.

Want purpose-driven businesses? Rethink ownership.

09/2023 | English, #basics, #read, #inspiration, #transformation

An article about the Business Roundtable’s shift from shareholder-value to stakeholder commitment that has sparked debate about the purpose of business. And the need for change for our current economic system. A plea for steward-ownership and redefining corporate ownership.

Aligned capital for creative entrepreneurs

09/2023 | English, #read, #finance, #socent, #start-up

In the startup phase, creative entrepreneurs seek mission-aligned funding, challenging conventional venture capital. This article offers insights into steward-ownership structures, promoting long-term impact and sustainability for purpose-driven businesses.

Purpose Podcast Playlist

03/2024 | English, German, #basics, #listen, #finance, #inspiration, #start-up, #stories

In our Spotify-playlist you will find a variety of podcasts and broadcasts on the topic of steward-ownership. Have fun listening!

State of Alternative Ownership in the U.S.

09/2023 | English, #read, #finance, #implementation, #inspiration

This report reflects a yearlong learning journey Purpose and RSF Social Finance undertook to explore steward-ownership and alternative financing in the US, including learnings from more than sixty conversations with entrepreneurs, investors, founders, owners, non- profits, and business leaders.

Steward-Ownership. Ownership and finance solutions for mission-driven businesses.

09/2023 | English, #basics, #read, #implementation, #stories

A booklet written for Expo West 2019 outlining new approaches to corporate ownership, with a focus on steward-ownership, and alternative financing instruments. It presents numerous case studies and insights into ways to enable businesses to remain mission-oriented and independent.

Open Content

Language

Type

Topics

Search

Ted X – Transforming ownership to create a better economy

Toolkit for Steward-Ownership

Steward-ownership: Rethinking ownership in the 21. century

Money, Power, and Stewardship: Decoding the “OpenAI Saga” of 2023

Case Study: Vyld

OpenAI in the Context of Steward-Ownership

Stapelstein®

The Patagonia Structure in the Context of Steward-Ownership

OpenAI & Bringing Steward-Ownership to Life While Playing on the Field of Capitalism

Ragnarson Invest: Steward-ownership – securing the purpose of your company

ChangeNOW2024 – Governance and Ownership: Let’s finance new corporate models

Tech and Trees – #14 Jakob Willeke & Steward-Ownership

Steward-Ownership. A short guidebook for legal frameworks.

Effects of Steward-Ownership as a Corporate Ownership Structure: Evidence from Denmark

Banca Ética Latinoamericana

Purpose Projects: #25 Camille Canon – What does it mean to be a purpose-driven business?

Case study: Wildplastic

Want purpose-driven businesses? Rethink ownership.

Aligned capital for creative entrepreneurs

Purpose Podcast Playlist

State of Alternative Ownership in the U.S.

Steward-Ownership. Ownership and finance solutions for mission-driven businesses.

Stay in touch

Open Content

Language

Type

Topics

Search

Ted X – Transforming ownership to create a better economy

Toolkit for Steward-Ownership

Steward-ownership: Rethinking ownership in the 21. century

Money, Power, and Stewardship: Decoding the “OpenAI Saga” of 2023

Case Study: Vyld

OpenAI in the Context of Steward-Ownership

Stapelstein®

The Patagonia Structure in the Context of Steward-Ownership

OpenAI & Bringing Steward-Ownership to Life While Playing on the Field of Capitalism

Ragnarson Invest: Steward-ownership – securing the purpose of your company

ChangeNOW2024 – Governance and Ownership: Let’s finance new corporate models

Tech and Trees – #14 Jakob Willeke & Steward-Ownership

Steward-Ownership. A short guidebook for legal frameworks.

Effects of Steward-Ownership as a Corporate Ownership Structure: Evidence from Denmark

Banca Ética Latinoamericana

Purpose Projects: #25 Camille Canon – What does it mean to be a purpose-driven business?

Case study: Wildplastic

Want purpose-driven businesses? Rethink ownership.

Aligned capital for creative entrepreneurs

Purpose Podcast Playlist

State of Alternative Ownership in the U.S.

Steward-Ownership. Ownership and finance solutions for mission-driven businesses.