Steve Shein

As both a first-generation American and college graduate, I’m deeply passionate about democratizing opportunity by helping small businesses thrive and reach their highest potential. My journey from trader to entrepreneur to venture capitalist has been driven by a desire to see others succeed and pursue their dreams in the same way I’ve been fortunate to.

I co-founded Franklin Alliance with the mission of helping professional services businesses to reimagine what’s possible. My entrepreneurial and investment experience, which spans over a decade, is crucial to this mission. This experience is represented most recently by my work with OCA Ventures, one of Chicago’s original pioneering Venture Capital firms. Before this, I founded ReVal, a fintech SaaS company, and led it to a successful acquisition as CEO. Before my entrepreneurial adventures, I focused on macro relative value strategies as a buy-side discretionary trader. My love for numbers and strategy started early, inspired by my upbringing surrounded by small businesses. This background has instilled in me a fundamental commitment to helping small enterprises flourish.

I hold a degree in Finance, Investment & Banking, and Real Estate Economics from the Wisconsin School of Business. I also earned my MBA from the University of Chicago Booth and am a proud CFA Charterholder. Living in Chicago, I spend some of my weekends exploring the city’s vibrant neighborhoods with my wife and young sons. In my spare time, I am always trying to learn and grow as a person; mind, body, and spirit as my North Star.