Upstart Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Upstart has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, technology, people operations, and executive support.

Driven by innovation, Upstart is dedicated to revolutionizing the lending industry by leveraging artificial intelligence to improve access to credit and reduce costs for consumers and investors.

Leadership Roles at Upstart

  • Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder - Paul Gu
  • Chief Financial Officer - Andrea Blankmeyer
  • Chief Technology Officer - Grant Schneider
  • Executive Business Partner To Chief Technology Officer - Kathleen Crizer
  • Chief People Officer - Rebecca Kidder
  • Paul Gu - Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder

    Paul Gu, the Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder at Upstart, directs the overarching strategy and vision for the online lending marketplace. Gu architects the company's approach to utilizing non-traditional variables, such as education and employment history, to enhance creditworthiness predictions. This leadership role involves guiding the development of innovative financial products that aim to reduce costs for consumers and investors. Overseeing global operations, the Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder ensures alignment with corporate targets for growth and market penetration. By optimizing the lending platform, Paul Gu directly impacts the company's ability to expand its reach and solidify its position in the finance industry. Ultimately, Gu secures long-term financial stability and drives the company's mission forward.
    Paul Gu

    Andrea Blankmeyer - Chief Financial Officer

    Andrea Blankmeyer, the Chief Financial Officer at Upstart, manages all financial operations and strategic financial planning for the organization. Blankmeyer oversees capital allocation, investor relations, and financial risk management, ensuring the company's fiscal health and sustainable growth. This critical role involves developing financial models that support Upstart's unique lending approach, which incorporates education and employment data. By analyzing market trends and financial performance, the Chief Financial Officer provides essential insights to guide executive decision-making. Andrea Blankmeyer works closely with other C-suite leaders to align financial strategies with the company's mission of revolutionizing lending. The Chief Financial Officer's leadership ensures robust financial controls and drives initiatives that enhance profitability and shareholder value, directly supporting Upstart's expansion across the United States.
    Andrea Blankmeyer

    Grant Schneider - Chief Technology Officer

    Grant Schneider, the Chief Technology Officer at Upstart, leads the technological innovation and infrastructure development that underpins the company's AI-driven lending platform. Schneider directs the engineering teams responsible for building and maintaining the sophisticated algorithms that assess creditworthiness using non-traditional data points. This executive function involves ensuring the scalability, security, and efficiency of Upstart's technology stack, crucial for its operations in San Mateo, California. By championing cutting-edge technology, the Chief Technology Officer enables the company to offer more accessible and affordable loans. Grant Schneider collaborates with leadership to integrate new technological advancements, driving the company's competitive edge. The Chief Technology Officer's vision ensures that Upstart remains at the forefront of financial technology, supporting its mission to transform the lending landscape.
    Grant Schneider

    Kathleen Crizer - Executive Business Partner To Chief Technology Officer

    Kathleen Crizer, the Executive Business Partner To Chief Technology Officer at Upstart, provides critical operational and strategic support to the technology leadership. Crizer facilitates the seamless execution of technology initiatives by managing complex schedules, coordinating cross-functional projects, and ensuring efficient communication channels between the CTO and other departments. This role is vital for streamlining workflows and enhancing the productivity of the technology division, directly contributing to the development and refinement of Upstart's AI-powered lending platform. By acting as a key liaison, Kathleen Crizer ensures that technological strategies are effectively implemented and aligned with the company's broader business objectives. The Executive Business Partner To Chief Technology Officer's support enables the technology team to focus on innovation and maintain Upstart's position as a leader in the finance industry.

    Rebecca Kidder - Chief People Officer

    Rebecca Kidder, the Chief People Officer at Upstart, spearheads the human capital strategy, focusing on talent acquisition, development, and fostering a robust company culture. Kidder oversees all aspects of employee experience, ensuring that Upstart attracts and retains top talent essential for its innovative lending operations. This leadership position involves designing programs that support employee growth and well-being, aligning with the company's mission to create a positive and productive work environment. By cultivating a strong organizational culture, the Chief People Officer reinforces Upstart's values and commitment to its employees. Rebecca Kidder collaborates with executive leadership to build a diverse and skilled workforce capable of driving technological advancements in the finance sector. The Chief People Officer's strategic initiatives are fundamental to Upstart's continued success and expansion across the United States.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Upstart Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Upstart?
    Upstart is led by Paul Gu (Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder), along with executives such as Andrea Blankmeyer (Chief Financial Officer) and Grant Schneider (Chief Technology Officer).
    Who is part of Upstart’s executive team?
    The executive team of Upstart includes leaders such as Paul Gu (Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder), Andrea Blankmeyer (Chief Financial Officer), Grant Schneider (Chief Technology Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Upstart have?
    Upstart has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Upstart’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Upstart includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Executive Business Partner To Chief Technology Officer, Chief People Officer.