Business purpose

Founder Files is the primary lead generation surface on the platform. Every Download is a consent-captured, role-qualified, sector-attributed lead. Sponsor revenue compounds because sponsors associate with editorial-quality guides, not banners. Three revenue flows converge here: lead gen, named sponsorship, and the freemium-to-paid funnel for premium files (Phase 3).

Three commercial flows

Consent-gated lead generation

Every download captures `lead_role`, `lead_country`, `consent_marketing`, `consent_partners`. Marketing list grows compliantly. Partners receive partner-consented leads only.

Named editorial sponsorship

A file can carry a named sponsor (e.g. "FF#01 sponsored by Bank X"). Sponsor mini-row + Sponsored badge render publicly. Editorial body remains in-house. Sponsor pays for editorial-quality association.

Premium files (Phase 3)

Some future files will be Founder Account-only. The free files build trust; the premium files build subscription value.