Metrics and mountains

Meet Steven

With a background in Mathematical Economics from the University of Kentucky, Steven Plappert has been involved in startup finance his entire career. His analytical mind, strategic thinking, and keen interest in finance quickly established him as a rising talent in the industry.

FantasyHub (Techstars Austin 2013) was Steven's first startup. Its mission was to use fantasy sports for good. Users paid to compete, and a percentage of the winnings went to various charities. Steven ran FantasyHub for three years and grew it to more than 10 employees before it closed in 2016 amid sweeping regulatory changes around fantasy sports.

In 2020, Steven co-founded Forecastr (Techstars Anywhere 2020), a software company focused on providing financial models and fractional CFO services for startups. His vision was to help his fellow founders overcome the challenges he has witnessed throughout his career by offering tailor-built solutions that promote financial hygiene and literacy.

As CEO of Forecastr, Steven has been instrumental in shaping the company's strategic direction and fostering a unique, collaborative culture. Under his leadership, Forecastr has experienced rapid growth, attracting a diverse group of clients from wide-ranging industries. Steven's commitment to collaboration and community has led to the development of several key strategic partnerships, solidifying Forecastr's position as a trailblazer in the financial services sector.

In addition to his work at Forecastr, Steven remains actively involved in the startup scene in Louisville and beyond. He frequently participates in panel discussions and mentorship programs, sharing his expertise and insights with aspiring entrepreneurs. His passion for empowering others and dedication to fostering a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem continue to be his focus within the industry.

In the media:

After Work

Beyond his professional life, Steven is an accomplished mountain climber and adventurer. His love for the outdoors started at a young age, growing up in Kentucky and exploring the rolling hills and forests that surrounded his childhood home.

Since then, Steven has summited some of the world's most breathtaking mountain peaks, including Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Rainier, and several peaks in the Rocky Mountains. He climbs regularly at the Red River Gorge. Steven sees climbing as a powerful metaphor for life: each new challenge presents an opportunity to learn, adapt, and grow.

Steven took time to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail with his wonderful fiancée Emily in the time between closing FantasyHub and founding Forecastr.

In addition to his outdoor adventures, Steven is a dedicated philanthropist and mentor. He actively supports organizations that promote education, entrepreneurship, and environmental conservation.