Two Step
Ventures
Get in touchAbout Us
Two Step Ventures is a search fund backed by Southern Equity, a multi-family office investment firm. We are actively seeking to acquire and grow a business, ideally based in Western Pennsylvania. Our goal is to provide a seamless transition for business owners while driving sustainable growth and long-term success.
Meet the Team
Leadership
Dan Kelly
Managing Partner
Dan is a seasoned business leader with a track record of driving growth and innovation across multiple industries, including technology (AWS), healthcare (Stryker), and mid-market consulting (Solutions 21).
Most recently, Dan led a transformational growth strategy at Solutions 21, securing back-to-back placements on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies. His expertise in revenue generation, strategic expansion, and organizational leadership makes him uniquely positioned to acquire and scale a mid-market business.
With deep experience in human capital management, Dan understands the critical role that leadership and company culture play in long-term business success. His hands-on approach has helped privately held companies build strong cultures, develop their leadership teams, and achieve sustained growth.
Recognizing the growing number of businesses without succession plans, Dan is committed to acquiring a company poised for its next phase of leadership. With 10,000 baby boomers reaching retirement daily, he sees a critical need for experienced operators to carry forward legacies while unlocking new opportunities for expansion.
In addition to his professional experience, Dan is an entrepreneur, board member, and active community leader, serving organizations focused on economic development, youth empowerment, and Irish-American initiatives.
Our Investment Partner
Southern Equity
Southern Equity is a multi-family office and global investment firm managing a $400M portfolio across more than 20 companies in sectors including artificial intelligence, data analytics, energy, automation, and real estate. With a diverse network of investors, they specialize in acquiring and scaling high-potential businesses.
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Our Vision
Ideal match
We seek to partner with a privately held business that values its employees, customers, and long-term sustainability. Ideal candidates for acquisition include companies with:
- Proven positive cash flow
- Recurring revenue streams
- Strong company culture & values-driven customer base
- Clear opportunities for growthBetween 1-10M In EBITDA
Our Philosophy
"Greatness is in the agency of others."
We believe that business success is rooted in people—employees, customers, and partners. Our leadership philosophy is based on three core principles:
1. Begin and end with gratitude.
2. Be a + (positive force).
3. Leave the campsite better than you found it.
Gratitude
We live in an era of incredible abundance, surrounded by opportunities and blessings that often go unnoticed. When we train ourselves to recognize and appreciate these gifts, we create a mindset that leaves no room for negativity—gratitude and discontent cannot coexist. That’s why we believe in actively seeking moments of gratitude, both in our personal lives and in the work we do. By embracing this perspective, we cultivate a culture of positivity, resilience, and fulfillment.
Be a Plus (+)
In every situation, we have a choice: to be a plus (+), a minus (-), or neutral. Choosing to be a + means bringing energy, optimism, and value to every interaction—whether in business, teamwork, family life, or even as a guest at a wedding. By consistently striving to be a +, we inspire those around us, strengthen our communities, and unlock our full potential. Small efforts compound into lasting impact when we approach life with this mindset.
Leave the Campsite Better Than You Found It
This simple but powerful principle began on childhood camping trips and has become a guiding philosophy in every aspect of life. Whether in business, relationships, or the communities we serve, our goal is to leave every space, team, and opportunity better than we found it. Progress happens when each of us takes responsibility for making meaningful contributions—no matter how small—that move us all forward.
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