SOAF in Practice
This chapter focuses on the practical side of steward-ownership aligned financing, exploring case studies from the forerunners who successfully developed capital solutions. We examine how funding works: from securing early-stage capital for startups, to achieving successful later-stage financing, and how SMEs structured capital to transition into steward-ownership. We also talk with capital providers about their perspective, motivation, challenges, and what the model offers them.
Case Studies
Vyld
Financing as unique as their sustainable and healthy kelpon
Haferkater
Reinventing train station food and investment, with crowd support
Wildplastic
A long-term mission needs purpose-aligned financing structures
BuurtzorgT
How investor partnerships based on trust can revolutionize the healthcare sector
Organically Grown Company
Financing for the transition
Expert Voices
A Capital Providers Perspective on Aligned Financing
An interview with Karma Capital
Theresa Böttger explains how Karma Capital was founded out of concern for growing inequality and a lack of suitable capital for “profit-for-purpose” businesses and how steward-ownership helps align financing with long-term purpose rather than quick exits.
Capital For Steward-Ownership
An interview with Purpose Ventures and PEC
Laura Höcherl and Achim Hensen explain why Purpose set out to create a dedicated capital layer for steward-owned companies and how this led to launching two different investment vehicles: for startups and established SMEs.
The Role of Impact Investors for Steward-Ownership
An interview with DOEN
Mirjam Niessen explains why steward-ownership matters for impact investors and how aligned financing helps protect a company’s mission, independence, and long-term vision beyond short-term profit maximization.
Dive deeper:
A practical Guide to Steward-Ownership Aligned FinancingMoving from inspiration to concrete action can get complex—especially when it comes to financing. The good news is: you don’t have to navigate this alone. We’ve designed an open learning journey: a practical guide to steward-ownership–aligned financing. It builds directly on this book and draws on years of hands-on experience from practice. Structured as a learning journey, the guide moves through three milestones—from understanding the basics to reflecting on your own situation and preparing to raise funds.
Explore this learning journey