Emerging Industries | Venture Capital
Co-Founder, Milwaukee Venture Partners
Director, UWM Business Innovation Incubator | Milwaukee
Matthew Friedel is a senior lecturer in University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s School of Information Studies, co-founder of its Disruptive Technologies Laboratory and director of a new business innovation incubator at UWM designed to prepare startups for angel and venture capital funding. Separate from UWM, Friedel is a founder of angel investing network Milwaukee Venture Partners and an angel investor with Silicon Pastures Angel Investment Network.
Education: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; master’s and MBA, Marquette University
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it?
"Paper route newspaper delivery – Journal Sentinel. My first entrepreneurial venture. At the time carriers bought their newspapers from the Journal and collected from their customers."
If you could have dinner with any business leader, who would you choose and why?
"Jim Roger - co-founder of the Quantum Fund. I would love to chat with Jim not only about his investing style but his global travels, and authoring books including 'Investment Biker: Around the World with Jim Rogers' and 'Adventure Capitalist: The Ultimate Road Trip.' I share Jim’s passion for traveling the globe and all the amazing experiences that come with travel."
What are some of your favorite destinations/places to visit?
"Egypt: Cairo, Luxor, and Abu Simbel. It’s hard to describe the experience of entering the Great Pyramid of Giza (3,000 years old) in Cairo, touring the Abu Simbel temples, and taking a hot air balloon over Luxor, 'The Ancient City.'"
What is one book you think everyone should read and why?
"'The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America's Wealthy.' The book taught me true millionaires don’t spend on extravagant material possessions but rather they are relatively frugal and value people (family and friends) and experiences."
What's your hobby/passion: "Run, bike, swim. I am a three-time marathon runner and four-time triathlete. I exercise every day for fitness and mental health. I love the Oak Leaf Trail, and you will see me on it daily."
What would people be surprised to learn about you (fun fact)?
"My REAL job: Uber driver a.k.a. driving my kids around. I am still waiting for a 5-star review from one of them!"
If you could take a one-year sabbatical, what would you do?
"Do another around the world trip! Soak up all the good things in life: people, food, culture, architecture, art museums, and more! Travel and experience life as a local. This is my personal journey for learning and growth."
What advice would you give to a young professional?
"Hard work is most important. If you want something your work ethic, passion, and persistence will be invaluable in pursuing that goal especially in entrepreneurship."
What has been your/your company’s most significant success over the last 12 months?
"Creating a collaborative new innovation incubator at The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. I am fortunate to have this opportunity and use my network to serve and support the emerging tech and entrepreneur community in Milwaukee and Wisconsin."
What is one thing you would change about Wisconsin to make it even better?
"We have so many amazing people and assets here in Milwaukee and the state of Wisconsin. I wish we could collaborate more in the city and across the state. This is what I work on every day!"
What's at the top of your bucket list?
"Did I mention traveling the world? My goal over the next 10 years is to visit at least 100 countries. I have been fortunate to visit 30 amazing countries on my bucket list. Many more incredible places to visit and amazing people to meet!"
What has you most excited about the future?
"I work in entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence AI, and blockchain. I’m excited to see new ventures formed in these areas."
