Helping Library of Things transition to a future-proof, investment-ready structure without sacrificing its soul.
Context
The Library of Things is a one-stop-shop and community for renting useful household items locally. In addition, its tech platform makes it easy for any local government, organisation or community to launch, operate and grow their own network of sharing libraries.
Challenge
The founder of a beloved organic brand faced a succession dilemma.
Their not-for-profit structure highlighted their ethical mission but limited their growth, trapping them in a grant cycle and prevented them from rewarding their team. The obvious alternative, a mainstream for-profit model, promised investment but threatened the very "why" of their business, prioritising a future exit that would abandon their deeper purpose.
Our Role
Patrick worked with them to design and implement a bespoke steward-ownership model, a hybrid structure that legally hardwired their mission into the company's DNA. This created a constitution that permanently protects the company's purpose, while explicitly enabling profit-sharing and investment.
The Impact
Secured by this new foundation, Library of Things went on to raise over £1 million in patient capital from diverse sources, allowing them to expand from one to 21 locations across London. They achieved scale without selling out, proving that capital and purpose can be powerful allies.
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"Patrick guided us through the rebirth of our company. He was our reassuring expert throughout the journey, there whenever we needed him to help us secure our mission and navigate the path to raising investment."
Emma Shaw
Co-founder, Library of Things