If the 18th century can be defined as the age of industrialization and competitive advantage of the nation state, the 19th century by the power of the corporation, and the 20th by corporate financialization, then, I believe, the 21st century will be defined by ownership.
A Fairer Society (AFS USA) is reimagining how businesses are owned, governed, and sustained. Operating at the intersection of ethical business acquisition, shared services, and cooperative governance, AFS builds a growing network that replaces extractive ownership with shared prosperity. This coop spotlights consent-based decision making, real worker ownership, and a scalable alternative that helps businesses and communities thrive for the long-term.
In Part 2 of this two-part series, Jenny Kassan examines newly adopted federal regulations that shape how founders may communicate about investment opportunities, particularly during pitch events and when “testing the waters.” Building on the foundation laid in Part 1, this installment clarifies common misconceptions, highlights ongoing legal risks at showcases and demo days, and explains how recent SEC rules affect early-stage companies exploring potential offerings.
Thinking about raising money for your business? Even a simple “I’m looking for investors” can unintentionally trigger complex securities laws. Whether you’re offering equity, loans, SAFEs, or notes, you may be making a regulated securities offering without realizing it. In Part 1 of this two-part series, learn what actually counts as an offering, where the legal lines are drawn, and why choosing the right compliance strategy is essential before speaking with potential investors.
The TRANSFER Data Trust Cooperative is redefining how experimental media art is preserved and valued. Founded by a global group of artists and supported by dedicated caretakers, the co-op champions decentralized stewardship, artist-owned data, and long-term cultural preservation. By blending innovative infrastructure with a supportive creative community, it offers a new model for sustaining digital artworks and the artists shaping the future of contemporary art.
In this reflective piece, Jason looks back as the firm approaches its 12th anniversary, tracing the leap that sparked its creation, the values that shaped its growth, and the impact built along the way. He shares how a belief in practicing law differently evolved into a thriving, mission-driven practice and why he’s more optimistic than ever about the future.
As the SEC rolls out EDGAR Next, businesses face a shift in how they manage and submit regulatory filings. With new login requirements, designated authorized individuals, and stricter account maintenance rules, the updated system is designed for stronger security and smoother access and requires timely compliance. This blog breaks down what is changing, who is affected, and what every filer needs to know before the legacy system shuts down at the end of 2025.
When a business files required documents like formation papers, annual reports, or trademark applications – it may unknowingly open the door to scam mail. These official-looking notices often mimic government correspondence to pressure owners into paying unnecessary or fraudulent fees. In this post, Nathan Sisodia explains how these scams work, what red flags to watch for, and how to protect your business.
In our latest Members Only interview, Jason Wiener talks with Eli Allen, co-founder of Wild Blue Studios, an artist-owned co-op reshaping creative work in games, TV, and film. Eli shares how shared ownership fosters agency, accountability, and sustainability in an industry often defined by burnout. A thoughtful look at how cooperative models can build fairer, more resilient studios—and a better creative future.
At Democracy Brewing, founders James Razsa and Jason Taggart are proving that democracy in the workplace can be delicious. Their worker-owned brewery, restaurant, and event space in Boston (and soon to also be in Maine) offers every employee a path to ownership, teamwork, and even free English classes – all while serving some of the city’s best beer. Discover how they’re redefining hospitality, one pint at a time.
The GENIUS Act introduces sweeping new rules for stablecoin issuers, investors, and global platforms. From mandatory licensing to cross-border compliance, here’s what you need to know (and do next) to stay ahead in digital finance.
