Co-Steward & Managing Partner

As the founding team of SO Capital, we are searching for the person who will co-create and co-lead this investment company as Co‑Steward and Managing Partner. We are looking for a seasoned investment professional eager to leverage their extensive background with the pioneering Steward Ownership (SO) movement to fund the next generation of landmark steward-owned companies. Building on the work of PURPOSE over the last ten years, you will work with us to establish an international beacon in the field of Steward Ownership Aligned Financing (SOAF). If you are passionate about investment work, are deeply motivated to invest in mission-driven companies in a collaborative spirit, and possess an entrepreneurial drive to pave new paths, this role places you at the cutting edge of financial innovation. As Co-Steward and Managing Partner of SO Capital, you will actively build an economy in which companies are centred on long-term growth and non-extractive business models.

• You’ll step into this role with a secured €25M anchor investment, paired with the opportunity to develop an existing evergreen portfolio of an additional €25M.
• You and your team will closely collaborate with key members of PURPOSE – drawing on more than a decade of experience developing the field and executing pioneering steward ownership transactions, with the most extensive track record in landmark deals in steward ownership aligned financing worldwide.
• You will benefit from a strong external presence and visibility, driven by deep integration with the PURPOSE brand and the global SO movement.
• You can build on an existing pipeline of interested investors to support your fundraising efforts.
• You will work with the growing Steward Ownership Financing Network (SOFIN) – 200+ co-investors dedicated to collaboration, deal-flow and co-investments.

Why is your role important?

Your core responsibilities

You will help us bring SO Capital to life.

Organizational Setup & Leadership

• Co-create and scale the organisation in close collaboration with the founding team.
• Cultivate a compelling vision and inspiring environment for internal and external stakeholders alike.
• Foster smooth operational workflows and build a high-caliber team that attracts top talent.
• Successfully balance high-level strategic direction with daily operational rigor and collaborative team leadership.

Investment Execution & Portfolio Management

• Take full ownership of deal flow sourcing, screening, rigorous due diligence, and portfolio management.
• Serve as a dedicated investment partner committed to the long-term growth and individual success of each portfolio company.
• Expand and seamlessly integrate a network of elite advisors to provide robust portfolio support.

Market Pioneering & Capital Mobilisation

• Establish SO Capital as the premier international pioneer in Steward Ownership Aligned Financing (SOAF), actively representing us at global summits and forums.
• Leverage and consistently grow the SOFIN network to efficiently channel aligned capital to steward-owned firms and businesses in transition.
• Utilise your natural talent for fundraising to build deep, enduring relationships with co-investors and key network stakeholders.
• Combine regulatory discipline with the courage to develop new financing and investment structures where existing models fall short.

About you

We are looking for an experienced leader who can combine strategic clarity, sound judgment, innovative thinking and the ability to bring people together. Through your extensive experience in leading an investment company and executing deals, you can effectively bring multiple strands of work together, driving innovation, growing a team, and ensuring the operational excellence required to support sustainable and structured growth.

We highly encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every single criterion listed below – we are eager to connect with potential candidates.

We believe that this role calls for the following experience, skills, and qualifications:

• Proven track record of full transaction responsibility, portfolio management, or capital allocation within venture capital, private equity, M&A advisory, funds, investment firms, or family offices.
• Comprehensive experience navigating the entire investment lifecycle, from sourcing and screening to execution, structuring, management, and exits.
• A robust professional network encompassing investors, entrepreneurs, advisors, and investment professionals within the wider finance ecosystem.
• Established credibility and trust with key stakeholders, including founders, investors, and peers.
• Strong entrepreneurial mindset paired with a willingness to engage in hands-on work throughout a challenging founding phase.
• Passion for pioneering innovative financial models, along with comfort handling ambiguity and making sound choices under uncertainty.
• Exceptional leadership capabilities marked by strategic clarity, solid execution, high integrity, and a commitment to empowering teams.
• Enthusiastic about public advocacy for our mission and comfortable presenting to large audiences.
• Based in Europe with a readiness for regular travel.
• Fluent in English; proficiency in German is an asset but not a prerequisite.
• Thrives in independent, remote team environments.
• Availability to join the team, preferably in Q3 or Q4 of 2026.

You might be left wondering about some questions, such as: What is the target size of SO Capital? What is its structure going to look like? These are precisely the elements we look forward to finalising together. We invite you to bring your financial market expertise and entrepreneurial skills to help design and shape SO Capital.

→ Find out more about SO Capital’s mission and the founding team

Our Mission