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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Case study: EcorNaturaSì

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

This case study outlines the succession process of EcorNaturaSì, a steward-owned organic wholesaler. This process enables successors to safeguard the company’s original values, spirit and purpose.

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.

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

12/2024 | 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.

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