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🇪🇺 Europe · EuropeSTAK (Netherlands)
Also called: stichting administratiekantoor, trust office foundation
In one line
A Dutch foundation that holds a company's shares and issues depositary receipts to employees, separating economic value from voting control.
In plain English
Dutch startups often park shares in a STAK, which gives employees 'depositary receipts' tracking the shares' value while the foundation keeps the votes. It simplifies cap tables and employee participation.
If you were explaining it to a 5-year-old
A special Dutch cupboard holds all the toys and hands out slips saying 'you own the value of a toy' — but the cupboard keeps the voting.
Why it matters when you sell
If you hold STAK receipts, what you can sell and how depends on the foundation's rules — a crucial detail for a Dutch secondary.
Related terms
Put it to use
When you're ready to go deeper, there's an optional Equity Toolkit and Report.
Sources
Primary references for this term: Belastingdienst (Netherlands). Our definitions are written in plain English and kept evergreen — see the glossary methodology. General information, not advice.
Educational information only — not financial, tax or legal advice, and not an offer to buy or sell any security. Definitions are general; your own documents and local law govern your situation. PrivateTechShares is independent and not a broker or marketplace.