Business · Companies · 2 days ago
More Dutch entrepreneurs are transferring businesses to steward ownership
Some Dutch business owners are transferring their companies to steward ownership.
Under this model, a company’s profits are meant to serve a wider social mission, not just its shareholders.
A group of stakeholders, such as family members, employees and experts, oversees whether the company follows that mission.
The model is already common in Denmark and is gaining popularity in the Netherlands.
Suzanne van Straaten, who founded the online organic plant shop Sprinklr, and her business partner gave the company’s shares to Stichting Sprinklr.
Organisers of a conference on the model expect it to grow substantially, and a former prime minister has welcomed the approach.
More Dutch entrepreneurs are transferring their companies to mission-focused stewards, according to a report by FD.
These companies aim to serve broader social goals rather than maximise profits for shareholders.
A group of stakeholders, such as family members, employees and experts, oversees whether the company meets its mission.
Organisers of a conference on the model expect it to grow substantially in the Netherlands.
Suzanne van Straaten, founder of online organic plant shop Sprinklr, and her business partner gave the company’s shares to Stichting Sprinklr.
- Who
- Dutch entrepreneurs, including Sprinklr founder Suzanne van Straaten and her business partner.
- What
- Entrepreneurs are transferring company ownership to stewards who oversee a social mission.
- When
- The article was published on 9 October 2026. The transfers’ dates are not stated.
- Where
- The Netherlands. The model is already common in Denmark.
- Why
- The companies aim to use profits to serve a social mission, not only shareholders.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
No direct quotes in the coverage so far.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Company
- Sprinklr, an online shop for organic plants
- Founder
- Suzanne van Straaten
- Ownership transfer
- Sprinklr’s shares were given to Stichting Sprinklr
- Model
- Stakeholders such as family, employees and experts oversee the company’s mission
- Publication date
- 9 October 2026
Sources
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