Amsterdam, 8 October 2026
Main event
On Thursday 8 October we gather at Kromhouthal in Amsterdam. In the city that invented shareholder capitalism, we are shifting perspectives with:
First speakers to be announced soon.
SOFA is a festival full of inspiration, insights and new connections. Explore and take a next step with steward ownership at SOFA!
SOFA is co-created with you!
Together we make SOFA a true festival. We invite you to co-create SOFA with us.
Co-create SOFA with usSide events
The day before and after SOFA, we organise a number of exciting side events.
Stewards City Tour
Home to over 50 steward-owned companies, Amsterdam is a global hotspot for steward ownership. The day before the main event, we take you on a tour through the city and visit steward-owned pioneers. Learn from their experiences and already get to know other festival visitors.
Signup available for visitors of the main event.
Academic Circle
Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (HvA) is hosting a dedicated research workshop for academics the day before the main event. Are you researching steward ownership or interested to do so? Join the Academic Circle.
Signup available soon.
Investor Circle
The evening before the main event, we gather with a diverse group of investors, from early stage VC's to institutional investors.
This side event is invite only.
Steward ownership
Steward ownership is based on two core principles:
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.
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 us
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.