We recently attended an event where Corporate Rebels spoke about their innovative venture Krisos. Krisos challenges traditional ownership models by raising capital to purchase companies and transform them away from traditional ownership models. Their bold approach got me thinking about the deeper shifts happening in the world of work and investment.

Ownership over work is no longer just about people being paid for their labor. It’s also about allowing people to have a say in how businesses are structured, governed, and owned. To truly reshape the future of work, we need to rethink ownership over equity as well. This means embracing investment models that prioritize democracy, equity, and long-term sustainability over traditional, top-down approaches where profit takes priority.

Ownership Over Work Requires Ownership Over Equity

The massive rise of gig work, freelancing, and remote positions have fundamentally shifted the traditional concept and boundaries of “work.” However, while workers increasingly have more freedom in choosing where and how they work, they often don’t have a voice in how the organizations they work for are run, nor do they have an opportunity to own a piece of the companies they contribute to.

This lack of ownership is one of the biggest challenges we face today. Most organizations are owned by a handful of venture capitalists, founders, or a closed circle of investors. Meanwhile, the workers, clients, partners, and suppliers who often play a pivotal role in the company’s growth and success, are left out of ownership. This disconnect limits the ability for people to benefit from their contributions in ways that feel meaningful.

The question is: How do we address this imbalance? The answer lies in adopting more inclusive investment models that allow both consumers and workers to take part in the ownership and growth of businesses they believe in.

Alternatives to Classical Investment and Their Examples

To move beyond the traditional models of investment and ownership, we need to explore new alternatives. Here are three exciting models that are changing the way we think about investment and ownership:

1. Tokenized Investment

What is it?

Tokenized investment is the practice of converting company equity into digital tokens, which are then traded on a blockchain. By using blockchain technology, tokenized investments offer greater transparency, security, and efficiency, making it easier for anyone, regardless of their financial background, to invest in and own part of a company.

Why is it important?

This model opens up new opportunities for retail investors to access private equity, a space traditionally reserved for wealthy individuals and institutional investors. Tokenized shares can be easily traded, tracked, and transferred on the blockchain, making it more democratic and less reliant on traditional financial institutions. Investment can also be done in a continuous fashion, rather than requiring laborious fundraising campaigns.

Example: Robin des Fermes AG

Robin des Fermes, a company focused on bringing local, sustainable food to the Swiss market, has launched a crowd-investing campaign that uses tokenization to allow individuals to invest in their mission. Their platform connects local food producers directly with consumers through short supply chains, ensuring fair prices for both parties. By using tokenized shares made available through Aktonariat, Robin des Fermes empowers everyday people to become shareholders and actively participate in the growth of a more ethical food system.

2. Syndicate-Based Investment

What is it?

In a syndicate-based investment model, a group of diverse investors come together to pool their resources and collectively invest in companies. This model often focuses on impact-driven businesses, providing both financial support and expertise to help companies thrive. It promotes shared ownership and collective decision-making, where investors have a say in the direction of the business.

Why is it important?

Syndicate-based investing lowers the financial barriers to entry for smaller investors and creates a community of stakeholders who are passionate about making a positive impact. This model encourages collaboration and amplifies the reach of small businesses that might otherwise struggle to secure funding.

Example: Peerdom

At Peerdom, part of our financing strategy is based on a syndicate-based investment model facilitated by Swisspreneur. We invite our community to pool resources and invest as a single group. This approach gives our fans, customers, clients, partners, and anyone aligned with our values the opportunity to contribute to our mission.

3. Investing by Purchasing and Transforming Companies from Within

What is it?

This approach uses a private equity fund to purchase existing companies from brokers. However, the goal isn't just to purchase a functioning business and then reap the profit. Rather, the acquisition team immediately gets to work on transforming the organization from within, democratizing ownership and compensation. This model aims to create self-managed, employee-owned organizations that are more equitable, sustainable, and aligned with the values of those who work there.

Why is it important?

Prviate equity usually treats company acquisitions as a financial transaction. In this alternative, it's used as a force for the good of the employees - providing them more skin in the game of their own company. It operates under the hypothesis that if the workplace is better to work at than it was before the acquisition, the results will be stronger and the investment will pay off.

Example: Corporate Rebels’ Krisos Investment Group

Corporate Rebels, pioneers in workplace transformation, have created a unique venture capital model called Krisos. Krisos buys struggling companies and completely overhauls their structures, replacing traditional hierarchies with self-managed, employee-owned frameworks. One of their most notable successes is Indaero, an aviation company that removed traditional management layers, allowing employees to self-manage and directly influence the company’s direction. This has led to not only increased employee satisfaction but also greater innovation and profitability. Krisos is proving that businesses can thrive when they are structured around the collective ownership and decision-making of their employees.

A New Era of Investment and Ownership

As we move toward a more flexible, decentralized, and autonomous future of work, it’s clear that traditional models of centralized investment and ownership are becoming outdated. Tokenized investment, syndicate-based investment, and employee ownership through transformation are three models that represent a shift towards more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable ways of doing business. At Peerdom, we’re committed to supporting these alternative ownership models, and we believe that they will be the foundation of the future of work.

These models not only provide new opportunities for non-institutional investors, but they also enable employees and consumers to become active stakeholders in the companies they support. By shifting the power dynamics of ownership, we can build a future where work isn’t just about earning a paycheck. Rather, it’s about having a voice in shaping the world around us.

We are excited to be part of this transformative journey and invite you to join us in embracing the future of investment and ownership.