# Brian Murray

> Brian Murray is the New York-based co-founder and CEO of Philadelphia-based SHIFT Capital. A former auditor, technology entrepreneur and Peace Corps volunteer in Bulgaria, he develops and finances neighborhood projects combining adaptive reuse, small-business space, affordable housing and community participation.

- **Role:** Co-founder, Partner and CEO at SHIFT Capital
- **Organizations:** SHIFT Capital, Kensington Corridor Trust (SHIFT is a founding partner), Peace Corps (alumnus), Acumen Fund (prior work)
- **Education:** MBA, Yale School of Management
- **Known for:** Co-founded SHIFT Capital in 2012., Helped develop maker and small-business space through MaKen Studios in Kensington., SHIFT is a founding partner of the Kensington Corridor Trust.

## Career timeline

- **Before 2009** — Worked as a PwC auditor, entered technology entrepreneurship, served with the Peace Corps in Bulgaria, and returned to technology before business school.
- **2008** — Made a Philadelphia real estate investment while in business school, according to his 2022 interview.
- **2009** — Graduated from Yale School of Management with an MBA.
- **2012** — Founded SHIFT Capital; Nathaniel Mell found temporary workspace in the building that became MaKen Studios North.
- **2019** — SHIFT helped establish the Kensington Corridor Trust with Impact Services, IF Lab and PIDC.
- **2022** — Woodforest National Bank invested $1 million in equity into the SHIFT Catalyst Fund.
- **2025** — SHIFT partnered on Crown Industrial Park in Baltimore, launched The Mercer with Hanini Group, and acquired two Philadelphia affordable-housing properties with Aedera.
- **2026** — SHIFT announced the L|S|A Affordable Housing Fund partnership and a proposed North Station District collaboration.

## Achievements

- Co-founded SHIFT Capital in 2012.
- Helped develop maker and small-business space through MaKen Studios in Kensington.
- SHIFT is a founding partner of the Kensington Corridor Trust.
- Selected for City & State Pennsylvania’s 2023 Impact 75 list, as announced by SHIFT.
- Partnered with Aedera to extend federal rental assistance for 67 Philadelphia apartments by 20 years in 2025.

## Latest updates

- **2026-09** — SHIFT published its 2024 Impact Report, including Murray’s reflections on the year.
- **2026-04** — SHIFT, Lafayette Square and Aedera announced their affordable-housing preservation fund; it had launched in 2025.
- **2026-03** — SHIFT announced the early-stage North Station District vision with Essence Development and Temple University.
- **2026-03** — SHIFT and Cross Street Partners announced their Crown campus acquisition, which closed October 31, 2025.
- **2026-01** — SouthWorks announced a $38 million New York State ACHIEVE award for its next development phase.

## Links

- Website: https://shiftcapital.us/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbrianmurray/
- Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/Shift_Capital
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shift_capital/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/shiftcapital.us/

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/brian-murray
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-09