Steward Ownership

Below you’ll find a quick explanation on steward ownership. For further information, open content materials and infocalls & webinars, please visit steward-ownership.com.

The SO:27 conference for steward ownership revolves all around the topic of ownership and – more specifically – steward ownership. Steward ownership addresses the core of a company – its operating system: corporate ownership. It (re)shifts the focus towards the purpose and mission of the company and secures its independence in the long run.

In short: With steward ownership, assets and control remain with the company in the long term.

This is based on two key principles:

Purpose Orientation

Profits are always means to a purpose, not a goal in themselves. Value created in the company cannot be extracted by the shareholders. Profits are reinvested, donated or used to cover capital costs.

Self-Determination

Control lies with people who are closely connected to the company: stewards, not absentee owners. It cannot be inherited, bought, or become an object of speculation – but is passed on in trust.

Steward ownership brings together start-ups, medium-sized businesses and large corporations. It combines modern with traditional entrepreneurship, sustainability with profitable business. On the one hand, steward ownership is a proven ownership model that has been in place for many decades and implemented by traditional large and medium-sized businesses such as Bosch, Victorinox, Novo Nordisk and Zeiss. On the other hand, it presents an innovative option for entrepreneurs and investors worldwide. It allows start-ups to safeguard their purpose orientation and enables medium-sized businesses and Hidden Champions to remain independent and set up succession independent of family affiliation or acquisition power.

Watch our 6 minute explainer video on steward ownership: