Because ownership matters

Steward Ownership for Entrepreneurs

Steward ownership is an ownership structure that ensures companies stays independent and purpose-driven – now, and long after founders moved on. This page brings together free educational resources on the topic: stories, tools, and learning journeys.

What is steward ownership?

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Entrepreneurs come to steward ownership from many different starting points or reason. These are some of the most common ones.

The core idea of steward ownership

Many entrepreneurs build something they care about deeply. They prioritise mission and purpose of their enterprise over quick profits. But the predominant conventional ownership structures, where money equals power, rarely reflect that. They can, on the contrary, push towards exits, dilute control, invite outside pressure. And thus could put everything you've built at risk.

Steward ownership is a different kind of answer to the ownership question. It legally separates economic rights from control rights, so that the essence of the company stays protected. Companies have used this model for decades – famous examples include Patagonia, Bosch, and Novo Nordisk.

What is steward ownership?

Business is the most powerful force in our society. It controls our lives as employees and customers. It controls our legislation through lobbying, it controls our elections through political donations, it controls the media through ownership.

Ben CohenCo-Founder of Ben & Jerry's

As an entrepreneur, you need to think about corporate ownership. Why? Because it decides whether a company leads towards short term goals, or towards the responsibility for men and nature. That’s why I’m convinced: corporate ownership matters!

Antje von DewitzCEO of Vaude

In the 21st century, we need to move from a linear to a circular economy. We need aligned investors who will walk this journey on a long term business. I strongly believe as a founder that the steward ownership model would work the best.

Wilma RodriguesFounder & CEO of Saahas Zero Waste

Why entrepreneurs turn to steward ownership

Four learning paths, build on the most common reasons:

Learning Path 1

"I would like to pass the company on to the right people one day, but not lose what makes it what it is."

Succession isn't just about finding someone to run the business. It's about whether your values, your culture, and the company’s mission survive the transition.

Succession planning

Learning path 3

"We look for capital to grow, but for an aligned way that invites investors to our journey."

Steward ownership aligned financing opens the door to patient capital and profit-participation models that support growth without asking you to trade away your independence.

Aligned financing

Learning Path 2

"Investors, growth, new people – I want to stay true to why we built this."

Mission-orientation and independence are easy to lose gradually. Steward ownership makes them legally binding – so your company's mission can't just be voted away.

Mission & independence

Learning Path 4

"How do I adopt an ownership model that fits to my values?"

Many companies adopt a conventional ownership model without questioning this choice. Steward ownership invites you to step back, helping you to find an ownership structure that reflects your values and your believes about entrepreneurship.

Coherent ownership model

Not sure where to start yet?

Not every entrepreneur comes with a clear problem. Sometimes it starts with a feeling that something about the standard model doesn't sit right. These are good places to start learning about (steward) ownership:

Steward ownership basics

Comparisons to other models

biweekly, free and open to everyone

Have questions? Join our open call.

Almost every week, the Purpose Foundation hosts a free, open session on steward ownership. We introduce the basics, walk through real-world examples, and answer questions from participants. There's no registration fee and no prerequisites and everyone is welcome. It's an easy way to learn about the topic, hear the questions others are asking, and see how steward ownership works in practice.

Join the next open call