Mike Stephens

Based In:

Knoxville, TN

Mike Stephens is a seasoned financial operator and growth strategist with more than two decades of experience across private equity–backed and founder-led businesses.

About

Mike Stephens is a seasoned financial operator and growth strategist with more than two decades of experience leading finance and strategy across private equity–backed and founder-led businesses. As an Operating Partner at GSV, he drives performance through data-driven decision-making, operational transformation, and disciplined growth execution.

Prior to GSV, Mike spent a decade in healthcare working in various CFO roles across the country, delivering over $200 million in EBITDA improvements during his tenure. As a previous investor, he joined Ross in 2016 as CFO of Ministry Brands before joining GSV officially in Jan of 2019. Since then, he has helped lead the ops team and also serve as CFO for multiple GSV platforms—including Ministry Brands, which exited for $1.4 billion, and Inhabit, which sold for $3 billion in 2024. He has also played a role in more than 25 recapitalizations at GSV, helping founders and management teams navigate complex transitions with precision and alignment.

Known for his analytical rigor and steady leadership, Mike motivates teams to take on challenging initiatives—pricing changes, operational resets, and vendor overhauls—without sacrificing culture or trust. He thrives in founder partnerships built on transparency, data, and shared conviction.

Q&A

Why GSV?

GSV has done amazing work in bringing high-talent people together to collaborate and win. The founders have aligned incentives to create a great performing culture.

What is your operating core competency?

I lean financial, but I think in terms of growth. I instigate action and seek to focus on the high impact levers we can pull to improve results.

What kind of founders or companies do you love working with?

It all starts with a great mix of trust and courage—we’re going to be working hard, so that mix is key to winning together. Large or small experience doesn’t matter, but having teammates that are willing to use data to chart the course is best.