Peer in episode #56 of the De Gebakken Peren Podcast.
1. Not all that looks good is inherently good
When dairy products are labeled as organic, it means that no artificial chemicals or hormones have been used.
Often, organic farmers also take better care of their animals. However, this is not inherently true for all products labeled as organic (i.e. correlation vs causation).
Crowdfunding ensures more relationships between a company and its surroundings. Otherwise they wouldn’t get funded.
This is better in many ways. My guess is that companies with an inspiring mission are more likely to receive funding.
However, a company being crowdfunded does not inherently make it a "good" company.
Something else is needed to ensure that.
2. Ensuring the cause
While some founders may start their companies to make a lot of money, most value autonomy, want to help clients solve problems, or want to improve the world.
When they are in charge of the company, opportunities are not judged solely on the potential for profits.
But what happens when they are no longer the only shareholders (for example when investors join the company)? Or when they sell or hand over the company to new shareholders? What if it seemed nice and well when discussing theoretical money, but can you resist the temptation to cash in when push comes to shove?
Steward-ownership helps the founder(s) (or current shareholders) ensure that what they deem good for the company and (if they choose so) other stakeholders like the planet, is and always be what decisions are judged on.
This involves creating a legal structure that splits ownership of financial rights with the right to make decisions.
3. Not taken seriously? Great! Lots to be gained!
The German Philosopher Schopenhauer (look at me quoting Schopenhauer!) once said “All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident”
When you start innovating in someones area, they all find you interesting, perhaps a little cute, but still ridiculous.
Thus, when they ridicule you, there’s still lots to be gained by your work!
Once they start taking you seriously, they might ask for your help. Or they start to oppose you.
After all, there’s no need to oppose something if you don’t take it seriously.
Thus, opposition is a signal that what you do is working!
