Coherent Ownership Model
What this is about
Most entrepreneurs never really choose their ownership model. They adopt the default: a standard GmbH, a cap table that made sense at the time, a structure inherited from whoever helped them set up the company. It works, technically. And for many companies the common models can be a perfect fit.
But for some entrepreneurs, something doesn't quite fit. They are questioning whether it’s the right fit for their company: Do the conventional ownership models actually reflect what I believe about entrepreneurship?
Maybe, the logic of rapid growth and exit feels at odds with what they're actually building. Maybe, the incentive structures pull in a direction they don't want to go. Maybe, the way ownership is set up doesn't reflect how they think about their team, their profits, or their purpose.
That feeling is worth taking seriously. Ownership is one of the deepest design decisions a company makes and it's rarely revisited after the fact. Steward ownership offers an alternative: a model built around purpose-orientation and self-determination.
The resources on this page help you to explore steward ownership, who adopted it and how and whether it might be a coherent ownership model for your company.
Principles of steward ownership
Instead of bundling power and money, steward ownership separates them.
Purpose orientation
Self-determination
What does that mean for finding a coherent ownership model
That control and economic rights are separated – so that the people closely connected hold the power and the money goes towards the purpose of the company. It's a deliberate alternative to shareholder value maximisation. Whether that fits what you want to build is for you to decide.
Resources on coherent ownership models
Filter
Audience
Level
Category
Format
Language
Ecosia
Ecosia uses steward ownership to ensure that profits are used to fight deforestation.
Freeing Ben & Jerry’s
In this inspirational interview Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben and Jerry's reflects on the role of businesses in society and how to build a company structure that can uphold its social purpose: an increasingly big challenge in Ben & Jerry's current ownership structure.
What is ownership, what is steward-ownership?
In this article, Armin Steuernagel dives into the philosophical connection of steward-ownership. He explores how ownership has been defined throughout history and the importance of resonance.
BuurtzorgT
BuurtzorgT, a self-organized mental healthcare provider from the Netherlands, has been in steward-ownership since 2020, aligning its structure with its mission to put patients before profits.
Vyld
German start-up VYLD promotes menstrual health while protecting oceans. Their mission: create innovative, eco-friendly, healthy seaweed-based products—starting with tampons—via steward-ownership financing.
Patagonia
This article looks at Patagonia’s transition to steward-ownership – sparking debate and inspiring entrepreneurs worldwide.
Toolkit on Steward-Ownership
Do you need more than single resources, but a whole, practical guide, helping you to find out if steward ownership is the right decision for your company? And support you to go the first steps towards implementing the model? Click below to open our toolkit for steward ownership (soon updated and available as an online learning journey).
Still have questions? You're very welcome to join us.
Not sure how to protect your company's mission-orientation in practice? Wondering whether steward ownership fits your specific situation? Bring your questions to our open Q&A – a relaxed, honest conversation with others exploring the same territory.
Join the next info call