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Investor Spotlight, Steve Schneider banner
Erik HaydenApr 27, 2020 10:39:29 AM1 min read

Investor Spotlight: Steve Schneider

Investor Spotlight, Steve Schneider banner

Meet Steve Schneider, Retired Silicon Valley CEO and Angel Investor.

Q: What led you to invest in a Qualified Opportunity Zone Fund (“QOZF”)?

A: I had been looking for a safe way to invest in an Opportunity Zone in order to take advantage of the huge tax savings while minimizing my risk. The six-year deferral of capital gains taxes and 10% reduction in 2027 is nice. But the real kicker is in 10 years when I won’t have to pay capital gains on profits from my investment in the QOZF.

Q: What attracted you to Urban Catalyst in particular?

A: When I met with Erik Hayden (Founder) and Morgan Mackles (SVP, Investor Relations), I was impressed with their vision and the depth of their experience as well as Erik and Josh Burroughs’ (COO) track record in developing properties in San Jose. I also was struck by their list of high-quality strategic advisors and theoperational team that can turn their vision into a winning investment for me.

Q: What was particularly appealing about the Urban Catalyst Opportunity Zone?

A: I was impressed with the diversification and location of theprojects . Silicon Valley is expanding into downtown San Jose with Google, Zoom and others, and the (forthcoming) transit hub. It’s a good market to invest in.

Q: How would you describe your overall experience?

A: Post-investment, they have been very attentive and supportive. They have also been transparent and easy to communicate with throughout the process.

Q: We understand you also have a special community connection…

A: Yes. This is a great opportunity for me personally since I’ve had a long-standing interest in improving San Jose. Before my business success, I was a community organizer there in the early ’80s, dedicated to trying to improve the quality of life for residents. It’s great to see that I can contribute further to the revitalization of downtown San Jose.


“I encourage others with capital gains to invest in the Urban Catalyst vehicle: the people, location, specific development projects, and investment structure make this as winning a combination as you will find.” - Steve Schneider

P.S. I have not received any remuneration or favored status as a result of providing my input. I am generally excited about the opportunity and am happy to field any questions readers may have.

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Erik Hayden

Responsible for developing more than $3.5 billion in real estate projects, including over 2,300 residential units in the California Bay Area, Mr. Hayden has experience in acquisition, contract negotiation, due diligence, risk assessment, financing, construction, and disposition of multifamily, single family and large mixed-use and master planned developments. He maintains relationships with a broad network of property owners, enabling him to identify and acquire prime investments. Mr. Hayden also has expertise in navigating projects through the entitlement process by working with elected officials, community groups, and political organizations to gain support and get projects approved.

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