An ownership stake refers to an individual or a company's share in a business, representing their ownership interest. This can include shares of stock, membership interests in a limited liability company, or other forms of equity. The size of one's ownership stake is typically determined by the amount of capital contributed and/or the percentage of voting rights associated with that stake. An individual or company may have an ownership stake as a means of investment, providing them with a claim on the business's assets and profits, as well as a say in its operations through voting rights or other mechanisms.