Abstract

The Case Study addresses the conflict between the founder, Vishal Garg (Garg), and the board of Better Home & Finance Holding Company (Better). Though the US Fintech company expanded rapidly, it encountered various challenges, including financial and leadership issues. On August 03, 2026, Better’s Board removed Garg as CEO; subsequently, the founder protested, claiming that he had the majority shareholder's support to return to an executive position. However, the Board contradicted it. It remains to be seen whether Garg returns to an executive position or the company continues under Lewis while accommodating the conflicting interests of its founder, Board, and shareholders.

Learning Objectives

The case is structured to achieve the following Learning Objectives:

• Understand the role of corporate governance in the efficient functioning of a company
• Evaluate the governance challenges emanating from concentrated power with the founder and unequal shareholder voting rights.
• Recommend appropriate corporate governance mechanisms to balance the interests of founders, the Board, and shareholders.

Keywords

Corporate Governance; Founder–Board Conflict; Board of Directors; Founder Power; Shareholder Rights; Voting Power; CEO Removal; Board Authority; Concentrated Ownership; Shareholder Activism; Board Accountability; Stakeholder Interests; Leadership Succession; Corporate Control; Investor Protection; Governance Mechanisms Better Home & Finance Holding Company; Vishal Garg; Daniel Lewis; Board of Directors; Board Authority; Concentrated Ownership; Shareholder Activism; Board Accountability; Stakeholder Interests; Leadership Succession; Corporate Control; Investor Protection; Governance Mechanisms