In the city that invented shareholder capitalism, we are shifting perspectives with entrepreneurs, investors, advisors, policy makers, academics and artists.
Steward ownership is based on two core principles:
1) Self-governance
Control lies in the hands of stewards – people who are connected to the company and its mission. Control cannot be sold.
The principle of 'self-governance' means that the controlling voting rights rests with stewards and cannot be sold or inherited. At some steward-owned companies, self-governance takes shape by allowing only employees to serve as stewards. At others, it is expressed through the involvement of primarily independent stewards.
2) Profit serves purpose
Profit is a means, not an end in itself. It serves the company's mission and development and is reinvested or donated in alignment with that mission. Investors, founders, and other stakeholders are fairly compensated.
The principle of profit serves purpose means in practice that compensation to capital providers is limited in duration, amount, and/or influence – and that profit can never be distributed at the expense of the company.
About the organisers
SOFA is organised by We Are Stewards, with support from our committed partners and you! Together we make SOFA a true festival. We invite you to co-create SOFA with us.
We Are Stewards is building a movement and ecosystem for steward ownership in the Netherlands, to inspire beautiful companies to commit to their purpose, in perpetuity.
