Two Step
Ventures
Get in touchAbout Us
Two Step Ventures is a search fund backed by a multi-family office. We are looking to acquire and grow a company, ideally based in Western Pennsylvania.
Meet the Team
Leadership
Dan Kelly
Managing Partner
Dan is an accomplished leader with significant experience across a broad spectrum of industries. He has demonstrated success in driving revenue and designing effective growth strategies for organizations in a variety of markets, including tech (AWS), healthcare (Stryker), and mid-market consulting (Solutions 21).
Most recently, Dan rewrote the growth strategy at Solutions 21, resulting in back-to-back years on the Inc 5000 fastest growing companies list. This impressive accomplishment highlights Dan’s ability to analyze and understand an organization’s strengths and opportunities, leveraging them to drive sustainable growth and competitive advantage.
Solutions 21 is a human capital management firm that focuses on helping companies rethink their approach to leading their people, driving positive culture, and ultimately accelerating their growth. With a focus on mid-market, privately held companies, Dan has developed extensive expertise in understanding the unique challenges and opportunities these businesses face. His hands-on experience and proven track record in driving growth and fostering strong, positive cultures make him exceptionally well-suited to acquire and successfully lead a mid-market business.
Seeing so many businesses without succession plans has inspired Dan to actively seek an acquisition opportunity. With 10,000 baby boomers reaching retirement age daily, the demand for skilled leaders to guide these companies into the future is at an all-time high. Dan is committed to finding a business in need of its next visionary leader. He is ready to step in and strategically shape its next chapter, ensuring long-term growth and success.
Dan is also an entrepreneur who has founded and run small businesses. A dedicated community servant, he serves on multiple boards spanning economic development, youth empowerment, and Irish-American initiatives. As a dynamic leader, Dan brings unparalleled energy, strategic insight, and a commitment to meaningful impact—qualities that will drive growth and innovation in any organization he leads.
Supporting Organization
Southern Equity
Southern Equity is a multi-family office global investment firm. They control a dynamic 400M portfolio of over 20 companies spanning industries from artificial intelligence, data analytics, energy, automation, real estate, and more. They have a diverse group of investors who are eager to invest in companies with the intention of growing them.
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Our Vision
Ideal match
Two Step Ventures is seeking a privately held business with less than 250 employees that is looking for transition options. This company would ideally be based in or able to be run from the Pittsburgh metro area. We place high priority on proven positive cash flow, recurring revenue, clear path to growth, strong company culture, and a values driven customer base. Industries that are particularly attractive are manufacturing, distribution, medical device, and direct consumer services, though we are open to other unique opportunities.
Our Philosophy
"Greatness is in the agency of others." - Scott Galloway
We believe that by building a business that prioritizes people, together we can achieve great things. We believe this applies to both employees and customers of any organization. If you abide by the platinum rule of treating people the way they want to be treated, the group will thrive. Curating a strong company culture will be at the forefront of the strategy of any business we acquire so we feel it is important to describe our general approach at a high level.
Dan's personal philosophy message, that he has delivered to groups around the country are three simple points. 1. Begin and end with Gratitude. 2. Be a +. and 3. Leave the campsite better than you found it.
Gratitude
We live in a time of such great abundance, there are countless things around us to be grateful for. If we train ourselves to look for these blessings and recognize the gifts we have, it is impossible to be angry or sad or selfish in the same moment in which we are grateful. Therefore, we must intentionally seek specific opportunities to be grateful inside and outside of the work we do.
Be a Plus (+)
In every situation in life, individuals in attendance can be a plus (+), a minus (-), or just neutral. If we approach everywhere we go with the intention of being a +, we will inspire others and thrive as a group. This applies to any team we are a part of, where we work, our family life, and even simple gatherings like being a guest at a wedding. If we can set a goal of being a + everywhere we go, we can realize our true potential.
Leave the campsite better than you found it
This has been a long standing family motto that started in childhood camping trips and continues on to all other aspects of life. If we leave every place we go just a bit better than when we arrived, together we will always be moving forward.
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