“Focus on building enduring relationships, and transactions will follow”
In the often opaque world of microcap investing, Steve Kann has carved out a reputation for clarity, creativity, and character. As a Partner at Ocean Street Partners, Kann stands at the intersection of merchant banking and entrepreneurship, where capital meets conviction. With more than 100 equity capital markets transactions under his belt, multiple startup exits, and a best-selling book to his name, Kann is proving that small-cap investing can be anything but small-minded.
“I’m a builder at heart”
Kann’s path into finance wasn’t driven by spreadsheets or tradition, it was fueled by a desire to build. From an early age, he was drawn to entrepreneurship and the inner workings of capital formation. That interest soon became expertise, as he developed a deep understanding of how money flows into companies solving real-world problems.
“I’ve always been attracted to entrepreneurship,” he says. “And I saw early on that being able to help build something, not just with sweat but with smart capital and strategy, was where I wanted to focus.”
His work today spans far beyond deal-making. Ocean Street Partners is deeply involved in helping growth companies navigate public markets, raise capital, and connect with strategic investors, all within the underappreciated realm of small and microcap stocks.
“Not everyone is a good actor”
Over the years, Kann has learned the hard way that the financial world isn’t always full of people with pure intentions. But instead of becoming cynical, he’s doubled down on integrity. In an industry often marred by short-term thinking and questionable ethics, Kann stands out by prioritizing long-term relationships.
That guiding principle, relationships first, transactions second, has become a mantra at Ocean Street Partners. “It’s the difference between doing deals and building legacies,” he notes.
“Amazon #1 Bestseller, 100+ deals, and a great reputation”
Kann’s résumé reads like a list of career milestones most would envy: co-founding more than a dozen companies, guiding multiple successful exits, and advising on over 100 equity transactions. But one of his proudest achievements is a more personal one, his Amazon #1 Best Selling Book, which breaks down the nuances of small-cap public markets for founders and investors alike.
Even with all this success, he points to something less tangible as his top win: reputation. “I’m most proud that I’ve done all this while retaining a great reputation among everyone I’ve interacted with,” he says. “That’s the foundation everything else is built on.”
“Cool people doing cool things”
Looking ahead, Kann isn’t chasing titles or trophies. His vision for the next three years is refreshingly simple: meet more smart people doing meaningful work, and add value however he can. That value often takes the form of capital strategy, market positioning, or investment, but it starts with connection.
“I just want to be helpful,” he says. “And in doing so, create a lot of value for founders, shareholders, and myself.”
This mindset is currently guiding his work on two standout portfolio companies. One is an AI-driven SaaS company solving a $400 billion problem in e-commerce; the other is a fintech solution addressing a major issue facing small banks and credit unions. Both are high-impact ventures, and both reflect Kann’s ability to spot massive opportunities in niche corners of the market.
“One life, many chapters”
It would be easy to paint Kann as just a finance guy, but that would miss the bigger picture. He’s also a former Division 1 college athlete who nearly went pro, a feature film producer, and a songwriter with over 50 credits, some of which have made it to TV pilots and films.
Add in a best-selling book and $1 billion in capital raised, and the result is a career that defies categorization.
This multidimensional background fuels Kann’s creativity in business. It’s what allows him to connect dots others miss, and bring a sense of narrative and purpose to every deal.
“Capital should be a catalyst, not a constraint”
At Ocean Street Partners, Kann is on a mission to show that small-cap markets aren’t just a side stage, they’re where real innovation happens. With the right guidance, structure, and support, these companies can unlock value far beyond their size.
In a world obsessed with unicorns and billion-dollar valuations, Kann offers a counter-narrative: that with the right partners and principles, great companies don’t need to be loud to be legendary.
