Jeff Kleban

Jeff Kleban is a notable figure in the entrepreneurial and investment landscape, particularly recognized for his role as a Member of Hyde Park Angels. He has a rich background as a serial entrepreneur and angel investor, focusing on mentoring and supporting startups, particularly in the Chicago area.

Professional Background

• Co-Founder & Partner at Avocation Investments: Jeff co-founded this firm to provide seed and pre-venture capital to Midwest companies, emphasizing B2B technology solutions. His goal is to assist the next generation of entrepreneurs in achieving success.1

• Former Global Vice President of Mobile Strategy at SAP: In this role, he contributed strategic insights for SAP's mobile platform and applications after successfully selling his enterprise mobile software company, Syclo, to SAP in 2012.1

• Extensive Experience: Jeff has held various executive positions across multiple industries, including:

  • Syclo: Co-founder and Executive Vice President, where he built sales and marketing capabilities leading to its acquisition by SAP.
  • Universal Sales & Marketing: Chief Operating Officer.
  • Nomura Securities: Vice President of Sales.
  • Discount Corporation of NY Futures: Director of Sales.1

Education

Jeff holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Northwestern University and an MBA in Finance from the University of Chicago’s Graduate School of Business, equipping him with a strong foundation in both technology and business management.1

Contributions to Hyde Park Angels

At Hyde Park Angels, Jeff has served not only as a member since November 2017 but also as the Membership Committee Chair from September 2014 to November 2017. His involvement reflects his commitment to fostering entrepreneurial growth within the community.12

Overall, Jeff Kleban is recognized for his extensive experience in entrepreneurship, investments, and mentorship, making significant contributions to the startup ecosystem in Chicago.