# Step Mobile

Startup profile on Capital Atlas: https://capitalatlas.ai/startups/step-mobile

- Industry: Financial Services
- Headquarters: Palo Alto, US
- Website: www.step.com/
- Total disclosed funding: $176M
- Latest round: Series C (Apr 27, 2021)
- Investors on record: 10

## About

Based in the US, Step Mobile, Inc. operates as a financial technology firm, offering innovative banking solutions tailored for younger audiences and families to enhance their financial literacy and credit accessibility.Step Mobile, Inc. was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in Palo Alto, US. The company focuses on facilitating banking solutions for younger demographics. Founders Alexey Kalinichenko and CJ MacDonald have previously been involved in other ventures. In February 2026, Beast Industries, acquired Step Mobile, Inc. from General Catalyst Partners, Crosslink Capital, Stripes, TriplePoint Capital, Collaborative Fund, Coatue Management, WndrCo, Dreamers VC, and Mantis. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Step Mobile, Inc. offers a suite of financial technology products designed to facilitate banking for younger audiences and families. The company’s core offering is the Step Visa Card, which functions as a secured credit card aimed at helping users build credit history without incurring debt. With features such as unlimited cashback on purchases, a 4.00% savings rate, and the ability to borrow up to USD 250 instantly, Step targets individuals aged 13 and above, focusing on those who are new to credit or looking to improve their financial literacy. This product is supported by banking services provided through Evolve Bank & Trust, allowing users to manage their finances securely. Step’s offerings are marketed primarily in the United States, with an emphasis on underbanked populations and young adults who may be entering the financial ecosystem for the first time.Step generates revenue through a combination of transaction fees and subscription services associated with its premium offerings. Users can enroll in Step Black, a premium membership that unlocks enhanced cashback rewards and other financial benefits, potentially providing a steady stream of subscription revenue. The cashback structure allows users to earn up to 8% on purchases from select partners, which incentivizes frequent use of the Step Visa Card and fosters loyalty among its customer base. Revenue is also derived from interest on savings earned through cashback rewards, with the company promoting a competitive savings rate that significantly exceeds the national average. This model encourages both individual consumers and families to engage with Step's platform, promoting a cycle of savings and responsible credit use without traditional banking fees. The acquisition aims to integrate Step’s financial technology platform and fintech team to expand its platform to include financial services and financial literacy tools.

## Funding rounds

- Series C, Apr 27, 2021, $100M — General Catalyst Partners, Stripes, Coatue Management, WndrCo, Dreamers VC, Mantis
- Series B, Dec 2, 2020, $50M — Crosslink Capital, Coatue Management, Collaborative Fund, Stripe, Inc., Dreamers VC
- Series A, Jun 6, 2019, $23M — Crosslink Capital, Collaborative Fund, Stripe, Inc., WndrCo, Dreamers VC, Sesame Ventures
- Seed, Jun 25, 2018, $3.8M — Crosslink Capital, Collaborative Fund

## Investors

- Crosslink Capital (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/crosslink-capital) — Seed, Series A, Series B
- Collaborative Fund (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/collaborative-fund) — Seed, Series A, Series B
- Stripe, Inc. — Series A, Series B
- WndrCo (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/wndrco) — Series A, Series C
- Dreamers VC (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/dreamers-vc) — Series A, Series B, Series C
- Sesame Ventures — Series A
- Coatue Management (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/coatue-management) — Series B, Series C
- General Catalyst Partners (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/general-catalyst-partners) — Series C
- Stripes (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/stripes) — Series C
- Mantis (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/mantis) — Series C