Zack Steven
Bio
I am a lifelong entrepreneur and leader passionate about good design, big ideas, and strong inclusive communities.
I created the Shared Success Agreement — open-sourced at SharedSuccessAgreement.org — and over the past eight years have structured over 50 of them, investing more than $500,000 in growth-stage companies through Cloudburst. I believe everyone should be able to invest what they have — whether that's money, time, or expertise.
I am a Founding Partner of Monkey Island Ventures, CEO of Cloudburst Studio, and host the monthly No-Code Coffee meetup for non-technical entrepreneurs building tech companies.
I have a degree in Studio Art from Grinnell College and have spent the past 20 years mastering the art of business in leadership roles across Product, Sales, Finance, and Operations for organizations ranging from startups to public companies. At its best, business is sculpture: beautiful and useful.
I hold several patents, am a Minnesotan on the Move award recipient, and have served on non-profit boards including MetroIBA and the St. Paul Central High School Foundation. I am a native of The North and live in Edina with my wife and two sons.
If any of this aligns with your interests, let's connect on X: @zacksteven or in person at MinneBar. Just @ me.
Links:
X: @zacksteven
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacksteven
Presenting Sessions
Past Presentations
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Beyond Hourly Rates: How Service Providers Build Wealth Through Shared Success Agreements
Minnebar 19 -
The Shared Success Agreement: Invest time or money in startups for a share of future revenue
Minnebar 17 -
DITCH THE PITCH 2: A FOUNDER FRIENDLY VCQUEL
Minnebar 15 -
Raise or Fold? Business Lessons from the Card Table
Minnebar 15 -
Ditch the Pitch: Founder Friendly Ways to Get Started (and Get Funded)
MinneBar 14 -
Using WordPress to create the MVP for your startup/business/etc.
MinneBar 10