HOW WE HELP
We help founders and owners of private companies design and implement ownership, governance and financing solutions that align with mission and protect independence.
OUR SERVICES
DISCOVERY
Our work begins with a series of tailored Education Sessions on the key features and various legal forms of steward ownership in the US and Europe to build a baseline understanding of how these ownership forms enable a company to protect their purpose, remain independent over the long term, share economic rewards broadly, and attract aligned financing/investment. We then do a Founder Succession Planning Session to explore your ideal vision for the future of the business, and to understand your personal needs for exit/liquidity. Finally we translate learnings from the succession planning work and feedback gleaned during the education sessions into high-level Preliminary Recommendations for possible steward ownership model(s) for further consideration. If at any point in the future you find yourself ready to commit to steward ownership as the direction for your exit/succession plan, these recommendations will serve as our jumping off point.
VISIONING + VIABILITY
Once the optimal ownership structure is determined, our next phase of work includes facilitated workshops to flesh out the ideal Governance Design. What is the purpose that is being enshrined, who are the stewards and stakeholders, how are voting and economic rights allocated? This is paired with Financial Modeling and Recapitalization Strategy to answer the questions: can the founder’s liquidity needs be met? Under what conditions and along what timeline? Will the business be able to meet future obligations, and generate sufficient returns to share with other stakeholders while remaining financially resilient? Once the vision of the new ownership and governance structure is painted, and viability is proven, you’re ready to make a go – no go decision.
IMPLEMENTATION
You have a business to run, and transitioning ownership is a job in and of itself. We take the lead on Project Management to ensure the process moves efficiently with minimal disruption to the ongoing operation of your business. Our first step is creating a detailed Road Map, which is our game plan of all activities, milestones and key decisions necessary to transition to your new ownership structure. Then we “work the plan,” coordinating with legal counsel and other professional advisors as needed. We also support Change Management – proactive stakeholder engagement – to ensure your business transition has widespread buy-in and enhances your company’s brand position and competitive advantage.
We can support you on your journey, every step of the way.
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