Matthew Friedel’s entrepreneurial story began in 2003 when he launched his own app development company, demonstrating an early recognition of the potential in mobile technology. This venture laid the foundation for his future endeavors and provided him with firsthand experience in the challenges and opportunities of startup creation.
As Friedel gained experience and recognition in the startup ecosystem, he began to transition into roles that allowed him to mentor and support other entrepreneurs. His appointment as the 2022 director of the UWM Business Innovation Incubator marks a significant milestone in his career. This role allowed him to directly impact the growth of new ventures, leveraging his experience to guide aspiring entrepreneurs.
Friedel’s ascension to his current positions, including co-founder and executive vice president of Milwaukee Venture Partners MVP Angel Network, reflects his growing influence in the entrepreneurial community.
Milwaukee Venture Partners provides investment capital, strategic advice and mentoring to early-stage companies to help them achieve market leadership. The firm also provides its members with investment opportunities, which will result in an adequate financial return on their time commitment and invested capital.
“What truly sets Friedel apart and cements his status as an industry titan is his ability to bridge multiple disciplines and sectors,” said his colleagues. “His background in engineering, combined with his business acumen and focus on emerging technologies, allows him to operate effectively at the intersection of academia, entrepreneurship and innovation.”
As co-founder of UWM’s Disruptive Technologies Lab, Friedel has been instrumental in creating a space for innovation and cross-disciplinary collaboration. His impact extends beyond individual organizations. Under Friedel’s leadership, Milwaukee Venture Partners was recognized as a finalist for the Wisconsin Inno fire awards and has funded 13 deals with over $4 million in startup funding over the last 3 years.
“His efforts to create a collaborative cross-disciplinary startup-tech ecosystem in Wisconsin demonstrate his commitment to elevating the entire region’s entrepreneurial landscape,” said his staff. “His ability to identify promising ventures and provide them with the necessary support and resources has contributed to the growth of numerous startups.”
As a result, Friedel was named one of Wisconsin’s 275 most influential business leaders by BizTimes, was recognized as a notable leader in higher education for the class of 2023, was appointed as a Lubar Entrepreneurship ideas challenge fellow, and serves as a National Science Foundation (NSF) I-Corps mentor, guiding aspiring entrepreneurs and researchers.
An avid traveler, Friedel ignites his passion through global travel. “Travel provides a global view of investing, architecture, culture, people and appreciation of the good things in life,” he said.