A Zebra’s Board

Jörg Arnold by Jörg Arnold, November 2022

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The hill chief of Murambi, home to 6,773 residents according to the latest census, is a husband and father of six. Many community members rely on local water sources for their daily needs.

In Murambi in the region of Kirundo, Burundi, a new pumping well is drilled.
Photo: 2021 Burundi, Fabrice Mbonankira/Norway Church Aid/Fairpicture

Changing the world: But how?

What makes zebra startups different from their counterparts is the way in which they challenge historical perceptions in the Global North of how “successful” businesses operate. The key marker of a zebra startup is its commitment to making responsibility a core business principle. What naysayers deem impossible, zebras prove is possible: impact and financial sustainability can be harmonious. When a zebra startup succeeds, they are both profitable and create systemic positive change in the world. 

When a zebra startup succeeds, they are both profitable and create systemic positive change in the world.

joerg blog rund

Jörg Arnold, Co-Founder Fairpicture

Managing a zebra startup

In the coming months, Fairpicture will reconstitute the Board of Directors. Up until this point, two of the three co-founders have formed this strategic body. This will change at the next general assembly. The board will be expanded to five seats, with one of the founders stepping back from board responsibilities. The aim is to make the Board of Directors as diverse as possible so that the most important topics for Fairpicture are addressed with differing perspectives, expertise and lived experiences. With the exception of the representing founder, members of the board of directors will only perform strategic tasks.

Construction workers doing restoration stuff for Dier Mar Elian in Homs/ Al karieten with father jack after the dier was bombed by ISIS during the last war.

Ali al Homily one of the workers who was building the walls of Dier Mar Elian in Syria after it was bombed by the ISIS in 2015.
Photo: 2022 Deir Mar Elian, Syria | Hasan Belal/missio/Fairpicture

What is important for Fairpicture

Each board member will be responsible for an area that is key to the strategic management of the company.

  • The founder will represent the philosophy on which Fairpicture is based.
  • One member will represent the relationship between the Global North and the Global South.
  • One member will represent the legal workings of an international digital company.
  • One member will represent global photography and videography industry trends and development. 
  • One member will represent the investors and startup growth and development.

Gender, age and cultural background of the board members should be balanced.


Taking on projects with joy

In the next two years, Fairpicture will grow as an impact-oriented business. In addition to growing our business and clientele, a core focus is developing stronger relationships between the Global South and the Global North that are profitable for everyone involved. The Board of Directors will support this development with its expertise and experience.

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