Steward ownership in practice

Case Studies

From software startups to century-old manufacturers, these companies have embedded mission-orientation and independence into their legal structure – permanently. Explore how they made the transition and what it means for founders, investors, employees and other stakeholders. Curious about case studies embedded in articles around steward ownership and exciting interviews? Our Steward Ownership 101 book offers exactly that!

Curious about case studies embedded in articles around steward ownerhip and exciting interviews? Our Steward Ownership 101 book offers exactly that!

Explore here
Case Study

Organically Grown Company

Organically Grown Company, one of the largest organic produce distributors in the U.S., was one of the 1st companies in the U.S. implementing a Perpetual Purpose Trust structure to solve their succession and financing challenges.

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Case Study

Ecosia

Ecosia uses steward ownership to ensure that profits are used to fight deforestation.

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Case Study

Haferkater

Haferkater reinventing train station food and investment with crowd support and aligned investors.

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Case Study

Elobau

Find out how Michael Hetzer, second-generation owner of German hidden champion elobau, developed a suitable succession model and established his company as a true lighthouse for stewardship-ownership.

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Case Study

Stapelstein

The founders of Stapelstein® sought to regain control and secure independence. Through steward-ownership and aligned buy-outs from old investors, they achieved long-term stability.

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Case Study

Alkemio

Many founders face the dilemma of attracting talent with little money. Unlike ESOPs, not all models fit steward-ownership. Alkemio found a way to reward both financial backers and time contributors.

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Case Study

Banca Etica Latinoamericana

Banca Ética Latinoamericana, a steward-owned pioneer in finance, follows a purpose-driven approach to operations and decisions, fostering well-being, social cohesion, and environmental regeneration.

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Case Study

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.

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