Matt Wilkens

Matt Wilkens is a seasoned capital markets executive with over two decades of experience in both public and private markets. He is a skilled business development and risk management expert, having managed balance sheets of over $1 billion, establishing multiple businesses, and leading significant equity partnerships and co-investments across various industries such as private equity, venture capital, and real estate.

Matt is the head of Fuel Venture Capital's regional headquarters in Abu Dhabi and is responsible for driving the firm's expansion into the Middle East and North Africa. Before joining Fuel, Matt was the head of capital markets for Grupo Kallas, a Brazilian real estate conglomerate with over $2 billion in AUM, and founded South Pointe Media, an entertainment advisory firm that connects accredited investors with rare investment opportunities in feature films, television, and sports media.

During his tenure at Grupo Kallas, Matt spearheaded the equity origination of Kallas' subsidiary IPO, and executed over $300 million in co-investment partnerships across the Americas and the Middle East. Additionally, he co-founded Blue Ivy Ventures, an Alumni Ventures fund backed by Yale University alumni, and served as a market maker for Goldman Sachs across short-term interest rates.

Matthew holds FINRA Series 3, 7, and 63 licenses, and serves on the advisory boards of the United States Navy League and the WOCstar Fund, a venture fund supporting women of color. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Arizona and an MBA in asset management from Yale University.