Blockchain Governance
Stiftung (Swiss Foundation): Definition and Blockchain Applications
A Stiftung — the German word for foundation — is Switzerland's mission-locked, non-profit legal entity. It has no shareholders, no owners, and its assets are irrevocably dedicated to its stated purpose. It is the legal structure chosen by the Ethereum Foundation, Web3 Foundation, Cardano Foundation, Tezos Foundation, Solana Foundation, NEAR Foundation, and dozens of other major blockchain protocol foundations based in Zug.
The Zug Foundation Model: How Swiss Stiftungs Power Blockchain Protocols
Every major blockchain protocol that needs a governance foundation makes the same decision: incorporate as a Swiss Stiftung in Zug. Ethereum did it in 2014. Polkadot, Cardano, Tezos, Solana, and NEAR followed. Understanding why requires understanding Swiss foundation law, FINMA's regulatory approach, and the specific advantages that no other jurisdiction can replicate.