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.

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.

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: 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.

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.

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!

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.

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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