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CJ MacDonald

Founder & CEO at Step

CJ MacDonald is the Founder and CEO of Step, a financial services platform aimed at improving the financial literacy and independence of teens and young adults. He has over 20 years of experience in launching and leading startups across various industries. Before founding Step in 2018, he co-founded Gyft, a digital gift card platform that was acquired by First Data in 2014. His career also includes significant roles in business development and sales at companies like Luminate, which was acquired by Yahoo, and LiveOps.

MacDonald has been recognized for his entrepreneurial achievements, including being named one of the Most Exceptional Entrepreneurs of 2023 by Goldman Sachs and a finalist for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year award in the Bay Area.14 He aims to fill the gap in banking products designed for younger users, providing them with tools to build credit, save, and invest through a user-friendly app and a Visa card with no fees.13

He holds a degree in Government and Economics from Wesleyan University and resides in the San Francisco Bay Area. His vision for Step is to create a financial platform that not only provides banking services but also educates the next generation on personal finance fundamentals.23

Highlights

Feb 10 · TechCrunch
MrBeast’s company buys Gen Z-focused fintech app Step
MrBeast’s company buys Gen Z-focused fintech app Step
Feb 23 · youtube.com
Step CEO CJ MacDonald on building the leading Gen-Z ... - YouTube
Step CEO CJ MacDonald on building the leading Gen-Z ... - YouTube
Nov 9 · Yahoo Finance
Step Revolutionizes Rewards Card Industry With The Launch Of Step Black - Yahoo Finance
Step Revolutionizes Rewards Card Industry With The Launch Of Step Black - Yahoo Finance
Oct 18 · step.com
Step's Founder & CEO CJ MacDonald honored by Goldman Sachs
Step's Founder & CEO CJ MacDonald honored by Goldman Sachs
May 4 · step.com
EY Announces CJ MacDonald of Step as an Entrepreneur Of The ...
EY Announces CJ MacDonald of Step as an Entrepreneur Of The ...
Oct 20 · thefounderpod.com
Interview with CJ MacDonald, Founder & CEO of Step
Interview with CJ MacDonald, Founder & CEO of Step

Related Questions

What inspired CJ MacDonald to start Step?
How did CJ MacDonald's experience at Gyft influence his approach at Step?
What are some of the key innovations CJ MacDonald has introduced at Step?
How does Step's financial platform differ from traditional banking services?
What recognition has CJ MacDonald received for his entrepreneurial achievements?
CJ MacDonald
CJ MacDonald, photo 1
CJ MacDonald, photo 2
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Experience

Founder & CEO at Step (2018 - Present)
Board Member at All Stars Helping Kids (2018 - Present), Co-Founder at Gyft (2012 - 2017), VP, Business Development at Luminate Inc (2008 - 2012)

Education

Government and Economics degree from Wesleyan University

Location

San Francisco, California, United States