RE-VYLDING THE WORLD: GROWING AS SUSTAINABLY AS THEIR SEAWEED WITH
STEWARD-OWNERSHIP

By Purpose, 2023


VYLD is a German start-up seeking to promote menstrual health while saving the oceans. Founded in 2021 in Berlin, VYLD embarked on a mission to produce innovative, eco-friendly and healthy products made from seaweed, starting with tampons. Wanting to set up the company as a profit-for-purpose company, the founders carefully designed a non-exit oriented financing structure – including a successful crowdfunding campaign – that allows them to stay independent and grow organically – and set up their company in steward-ownership.

By Purpose, 2023

VYLD, a groundbreaking German startup founded in 2021, is reshaping the future of menstrual care with an unwavering commitment to sustainability, fairness, and innovation. By introducing the world’s first tampon made from seaweed – the “Kelpon” – VYLD is empowering menstruators worldwide while making a radical impact on environmental conservation. Their vision extends beyond products, focusing on fostering equity, sustainability, and long-term value creation.

What sets VYLD apart is its innovative approach to company ownership and financing. Founders Ines Schiller and Melanie Schichan chose the path of steward-ownership, embedding their values into the very foundation of their business. With a non-exit-oriented model, they prioritised questions of ownership and power distribution, ensuring their company’s mission remains at the forefront. By transforming traditional financing methods and pioneering instruments like the Future Profit Partnership Agreement (FPPA), VYLD successfully balanced investor interests with their commitment to sustainable entrepreneurship.

Transitioning into steward-ownership in late 2022, VYLD’s journey exemplifies the power of aligning values with business structure. This bold model demonstrates the potential for fostering collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and social entrepreneurship while showcasing a new path forward for mission-driven businesses worldwide.

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