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.

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.

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.

Case Study: Stapelstein®

09/2024 | #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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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