While many crypto startups have successfully made their users into owners by following the Progressive Decentralization playbook, a number of founding teams feel compelled to step back from their projects at the time of token launch to reduce the risk that their tokens will be deemed securities. An alternative path may allow founders to stay involved confidently by building their platforms to mirror the democratic structure of member-owned cooperatives. This approach may allow teams to improve stakeholder equity, community decisions making, and product quality, all without sacrificing founder leadership.