Steve Welles

Managing Director of Software

Steve is the Managing Director of Software at Innovation Works. A serial entrepreneur and start-up executive, Steve combines a deep financial background with experience in leading high-growth companies across fintech, proptech, mobile apps, and enterprise SaaS.

Leveraging IW’s accelerator, Alphalab, Steve launched Ikos, a company aimed at transforming the residential leasing process. As co-founder and CEO, Ikos raised millions in venture capital, built unique technology, and developed a diverse team of over 60 full-time employees, most of whom were employed in the region.

Steve was then recruited to Homeward, a fintech company approaching unicorn status, where he led research and development of new products. He analyzed emerging markets at the intersection of finance and real estate, implementing an experimentation and product validation program that launched products generating millions in revenue.

Most recently, he served as Head of Finance for Gridwise, the leading business app for the gig economy. Steve raised capital from top-tier VCs and contributed to the company’s strategy, mobile app growth, and B2B enterprise sales.

Before launching his entrepreneurial career, Steve was a key contributor to the #1 ranked semi-capital equipment research team on Wall Street by Institutional Investor. He produced proprietary research on over 30 technology companies, leading to multi-million dollar client investment decisions.

Steve earned degrees in Mathematics and Financial Economics, magna cum laude, from the University of Rochester. Outside of work, Steve is a proud new dad to baby Ella. When not with his wife and daughter, he enjoys trail running and training for ultramarathons.