Raising steward-ownership-aligned financing can be quite different to raising conventional equity investment or debt. It generally will require more effort and perseverance as the pool of investors is (still) relatively small, though growing and there are some existing challenges for investors. Here, we have gathered some experiences of fundraising this form of capital.

Some companies choose not to highlight steward-ownership at all, but just mention the specific instruments they’re using – such as silent partnerships or redeemable non-voting shares. Others place steward-ownership at the center of their fundraising narrative, making it a key part of the pitch. And in some cases, it’s actually the investors who introduce the concept, bringing their interest in steward-ownership-aligned structures to the table. You will need to find your own way – it heavily depends on your stage, your relationship with investors and the preexisting knowledge about steward-ownership in the market you operate in.