Stephanie Schwarz

Based In:

Knoxville, TN

Stephanie Schwarz joined GSV in 2022 on the sourcing team, where she works across multiple platforms to identify and cultivate investment opportunities.

About

Stephanie Schwarz joined Greater Sum Ventures in 2022 as an Associate on the sourcing team, where she works across multiple platforms to identify and cultivate investment opportunities. She brings a relationship-driven approach to private equity—grounded in curiosity, empathy, and a deep respect for the founders who power GSV’s portfolio.

Before joining GSV, Stephanie served as an Account Executive at Community Brands, a GSV-backed software platform, where she gained firsthand experience in the dynamics of scaling a growth-stage business. That experience continues to shape her understanding of what founders need most from their investors: partnership, alignment, and shared conviction.

Stephanie’s investment philosophy centers on people. She believes that when investors back the right leaders at the right time, they unlock far more than financial return—they enable vision, trust, and long-term impact. She’s most energized by partnering with passionate entrepreneurs who are building companies that make a difference in their industries and communities.

Stephanie holds a bachelor’s degree from the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University.

Q&A

What does legacy mean to you?

‍To me, legacy is not just about achievements or accolades, it is the lasting influence we have on others, the values we uphold, the examples we set and the positive change we leave behind.

Why GSV?

I spent eight years working closely with the founders of a mobile fundraising solution that GSV acquired in 2017. During that time, I had a front-row seat to the many benefits and opportunities the firm provided. After the transaction, I was inspired by what GSV was building and knew I wanted to join the team. Since then, it has been a privilege to meet so many incredible founders, learn from their journeys, and share my own perspective along the way.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I’d tell my younger self that failure isn’t the end, it’s feedback. Every setback teaches resilience, sharpens perspective, and creates the foundation for future success.