1. What is Pirate Democracy?

“Pirate Democracy” is a friendly name for a fair system where people who do the work get a real voice and a real share of the benefits.

Think of a pirate ship: the crew elected the captain, split the treasure, and made big decisions together. That simple system put power into the hands of the people doing the work.

2. How this inspired the Founding Fathers

Early Americans noticed how some crews and small communities ran themselves. These groups used written rules, elected leaders, and checks on power—ideas the Founding Fathers liked.

So while pirates didn’t build the U.S. government, their way of sharing power and using written agreements helped shape the idea of elected leaders and written constitutions.

3. Why Pirate Democracy matters for StartupWorks

• It gives real ownership to people who create value.
• It uses finance that supports work, not just speculation.
• It keeps leaders answerable to the team.

4. Simple Structure

A. Producers (the Crew)

Anyone who contributes earns Producer Points (like shares). More contribution = more voice.

B. Commons Meeting

The crew meets to vote on projects, budgets, and rules. Simple majority handles daily choices.

C. Pirate Council

A small team elected yearly to handle long-term plans and legal matters. They can be voted out if they don’t do well.

5. Money & Rewards (Easy Rules)

If the lab earns money, split it like this by default:

• 50% — Reinvest in the lab
• 30% — Pay contributors (based on work)
• 15% — Dividends shared with all producers
• 5% — Community & public good (events, open-source, scholarships)

6. Keeping Power Fair

• Producer Points are hard to sell — this keeps control with workers.
• Outside investors can help, but they can’t take control.
• Major decisions (like selling the lab) need a high crew vote.

7. Quick Summary (One Line)

Pirate Democracy = People who work together share power, share rewards, and keep leaders accountable.