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.

Steward-Ownership Aligned Financing

07/2024 | English, #finance, #inspiration

How can capital be invested so that it serves people, planet and society? This slide deck introduces steward-ownership aligned financing – a new quality of finance. Ideal for businesses seeking value-aligned financing or for investors searching for new ways of investing.

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.

Purpose over greed – Rethinking capitalism

09/2023 | English, #read, #inspiration, #SME, #socent, #start-up, #stories

A documentary about steward-ownership, featuring the Purpose companies Ecosia, Wildplastic and elobau. What motivates founders to transform their company into steward-ownership, to set up their business in steward-ownership or family businesses to design succession processes in steward-ownership?

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.

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.

Case Study: Sharetribe

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

This case study provides insights into how Sharetribe turned steward-owned while seeking financing for the launch of its second product. Today, their legal form and financing structure protects the company’s independence and purpose in the long term whilst enabling it to take on new investments.

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.

Case Study: Märkisches Landbrot

09/2024 | English, German, #read, #implementation, #inspiration, #stories

The Berlin bakery Märkisches Landbrot has a long history of common good, sustainability and stakeholder engagement. The case study outlines the succession process into steward-ownership and the foundation structure of the company to maintain long-term independence and value-oriented entrepreneurship

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?.

VPro Tegenlicht: Goed geld verdienen

09/2023 | English, #watch, #historyofso, #inspiration, #SME, #start-up, #stories, #transformation

In dieser Doku diskutieren Waldemar Zeiler und Philip Siefer inmitten der Covid-Krise krisensichere Wirtschaftsparadigmen; darunter auch Verantwortungseigentum. Ein Video über visionäre Unternehmer*innen, auf der Suche nach resilienten, verantwortlichen und langfristigen Geschäftskonzepten.

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.

Case study: Firebrand Artisan Breads

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

A case study about the US-bakery Firebrand and their motives to adopt a steward-ownership structure to reshape local economics, emphasize shared wealth and community impact; with a focus on their financing rounds and setup.

Case Study: Banca Ética Latinoamericana

09/2024 | #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.

Steward-ownership is capitalism 2.0

09/2023 | English, #read, #inspiration, #start-up, #stories, #transformation

A blogpost outlining the impact of steward-ownership on capitalism by emphasizing its applicability beyond “impact companies”. Whilst addressing capitalism's negative impacts by retaining its efficiency and entrepreneurship, steward-ownership mitigates inequality and environmental concerns.

Case Study: Alkemio

04/2024 | #read, #implementation, #inspiration, #start-up, #stories

Many founders are faced with a dilemma – how to attract top talent while money is still tight? While some opt for schemes like ESOPs not all of these models align with steward-ownership. This case study highlights how Alkemio found a way to reward both financial backers and time contributors.

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.

In conversation: Perry Chen & Armin Steuernagel about steward-ownership

09/2023 | English, #watch, #inspiration, #SME, #stories

How can we create an economy that works for people and the planet? The founder of Kickstarter, Perry Chen, is convinced: new forms of ownership are essential for a purpose-driven economy. In conversation with Armin Steuernagel, co-founder of the Purpose Foundation, they talk about steward-ownership.

SO:22 – Keynotes

09/2023 | English, German, #watch, #inspiration, #stories

A Youtube-playlist of six inspiring talks from the VE:22 - Conference on Steward-Ownership in September 2022. With keynotes from Prof. Katharina Pistor, Rutger Bregman, Prof. Meredith Whittaker, Gerhard Behles, Lene Skole and Lena Marbacher.

Case study: Goldeimer

09/2023 | German, #read, #implementation, #inspiration, #socent, #start-up, #stories

This case study describes the path towards steward-ownership for the non-profit company Goldeimer. Steward-ownership allows for them to remain part of a larger decentralized network of companies whilst setting up a structure that allocates voting rights to those who carry operational responsibility.

What if every company in the world were like Patagonia?

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

A blogpost about Patagonia's transition to steward-ownership. Also referring to well-known examples like Bosch and John Lewis, this article looks at steward-owned companies as potential models for responsible capitalism preserving capitalism's benefits whilst addressing its inefficiencies.

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.

Juho Makkonen – A founder’s perspective on steward-ownership

09/2023 | English, #watch, #inspiration, #start-up, #stories

What it means to become a Purpose company: Sharetribe founder Juho Makkonen tells his story in this video interview. He shares what difference steward-ownership makes for customers, and what role investors play in steward-owned companies.

SO:22 – Livestream

09/2023 | English, German, #watch, #inspiration, #stories

A Youtube-playlist of six inspiring talks from the VE:22 - Conference on Steward-Ownership in September 2022.

How to unfuck the economy? Join the Purpose movement!

09/2023 | German, #inspiration

In March 2019, over 1,000 people gathered in Berlin under the motto "Unfuck the Economy." Together with the founders of the start-ups Einhorn, ecosia, and soulbottles, the concept of steward-ownership was discussed. Here you can find some impressions.

Christian Kroll – A founders’ perspective

09/2023 | English, #watch, #inspiration, #socent, #start-up, #stories

In this video, Christian Kroll, founder and CEO of Ecosia, shares his perspective on steward-ownership. He gives insights into his motivation to transform the company into steward-ownership and explains what impact this has for Ecosia's employees as well as for society.

On what matters

09/2023 | English, #read, #inspiration, #start-up, #stories

A blogpost about Sharetribe’s mission: to help solve global challenges with their steward-owned company. Sharetribe aims to democratize the sharing economy, increase resource efficiency, reduce inequality, and restore meaning to work. A call for collaborative action to address existential crises.

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Ted X – Transforming ownership to create a better economy

Steward-Ownership Aligned Financing

Toolkit for Steward-Ownership

Purpose over greed – Rethinking capitalism

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

Case Study: Vyld

OpenAI in the Context of Steward-Ownership

Case Study: Stapelstein®

Case Study: Sharetribe

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

Case Study: Märkisches Landbrot

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

VPro Tegenlicht: Goed geld verdienen

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

Case study: Firebrand Artisan Breads

Case Study: Banca Ética Latinoamericana

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

Case study: Wildplastic

Steward-ownership is capitalism 2.0

Case Study: Alkemio

Want purpose-driven businesses? Rethink ownership.

In conversation: Perry Chen & Armin Steuernagel about steward-ownership

SO:22 – Keynotes

Case study: Goldeimer

What if every company in the world were like Patagonia?

Purpose Podcast Playlist

State of Alternative Ownership in the U.S.

Juho Makkonen – A founder’s perspective on steward-ownership

SO:22 – Livestream

How to unfuck the economy? Join the Purpose movement!

Christian Kroll – A founders’ perspective

On what matters