Because ownership matters

Steward Ownership for Entrepreneurs

Steward ownership is an ownership structure that ensures your company stays independent and purpose-driven – now, and long after you've moved on. This is your starting point: stories, tools, and learning journeys.

What is steward ownership?

Find your starting point

Each path is designed to meet you where you are.

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.

Learn more about 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

Deep dives for entrepreneurs

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

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

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

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 you fit yet? Start here.

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 begin:

Steward ownership basics

Comparisons to other models

Open Info Call — every week

Still have questions? You're very welcome to join us.

Not sure whether steward ownership is the right fit for your company? Not ready to dive into the learning journeys yet? Our open Q&A calls are designed exactly for that moment: a relaxed, interactive session where you can ask your questions, listen to others', and get a real sense of what steward ownership means in practice.

Join the next info call