Few modern entrepreneurs embody that philosophy more fully than Michael Matthew, the Managing Partner of BlackRidge & Co. Michael Matthew Powerballer is an entrepreneur. What began as a high-energy career in Las Vegas nightlife has evolved into leadership at one of the most internationally connected advisory companies in the world — a firm now managing a network AUM exceeding $80 billion and intertwined with the globe’s top investors and institutions.
Michael’s journey is one of transformation, strategy, and relentless pursuit of excellence. It’s a story of leveraging influence into impact, vision into reality, and access into leadership.
From the Strip to the Boardroom
At just 21 years old, Michael moved to Las Vegas, beginning his career at the legendary Bellagio as a nightlife and casino executive catering to the world’s most affluent personalities and Hollywood elites. There, he curated private events for icons including Leonardo DiCaprio, Mike Tyson, Paris Hilton, and Drake, mastering the art of discretion and high-level relationship-building that would later define his global career.
His talent quickly drew the attention of billionaire Steve Wynn, who recruited him to join the Wynn and Encore properties to help cement their dominance in luxury hospitality and global gaming. Working with major corporations such as Google, Deutsche Bank, Warner Bros., and Dubai World, Michael established himself as a trusted connector between institutional clients, high-net-worth individuals, and global investors.
In an industry known for its legends, Steve Wynn once dubbed Michael “one of the greatest characters in the casino business” — a testament to his charisma, business acumen, and rare ability to navigate the world of ultra-high-net-worth clientele with both precision and charm.
Building Global Capital Networks
Following his casino ventures, Michael led a boutique consulting agency specializing in capital introductions, partnership structuring, and cross-border investment for elite clients. The firm completed numerous international transactions before being privately acquired by a Silicon Valley pioneer in the consulting space.
Operating between Silicon Valley, Beverly Hills, and Las Vegas, Michael oversaw more than $600 million in investments, including the structuring of two SPAC vehicles totaling $230 million each. He was instrumental in building both companies’ boards of directors and introducing some of the world’s most prominent financial institutions to their leadership teams. One of these ventures later went public with a valuation surpassing $2 billion, solidifying his reputation for connecting influence with execution.
A Seat at the Table with Rothschild & Co.
Michael’s deep understanding of international relationships and private capital earned him a role with Rothschild & Co Asset Management, where he worked with billionaire special-purpose clients and sovereign partnerships across New York, London, and Paris. His ability to manage complex global relationships helped bridge old-world finance with a new generation of capital innovation.
The Rise of BlackRidge & Co.
In 2024, Michael partnered with a consortium of leading bankers and hedge fund advisors to acquire the rights to BlackRidge & Co. Under his leadership, the firm has become one of the most respected advisory groups in the world, with a network AUM exceeding $80 billion.
With its flagship headquarters in Palm Beach — the epicenter of “Wall Street South” — and offices across New York, London, Hong Kong, and Silicon Valley, BlackRidge & Co. now operates as a global hub for ultra-high-net-worth investors, sovereign funds, and institutional partnerships. The firm has cultivated deep ties with some of the most powerful financial families and capital groups across multiple continents.
Giving Back and Living Fully
Beyond business, Michael Matthew is deeply committed to philanthropy and environmental preservation. In his spare time, he dedicates himself to beach cleanups and ocean conservation, proudly supporting Oceana, one of the world’s leading organizations focused on protecting and restoring the oceans.
An avid outdoorsman, Michael is also a passionate golfer and deep-sea big-game fisherman, often found on the water or the fairway when he’s not navigating international markets. These pursuits reflect his belief in balance — between ambition and appreciation, progress and preservation.
A New Definition of Global Influence
For Michael Matthew, success has never been just about capital — it’s about access, trust, and the art of connection. From the Bellagio’s private villas to global boardrooms, his story reflects a rare synthesis of luxury, leadership, and legacy.
As BlackRidge & Co. continues to expand its global presence and network of investors, Michael remains a defining figure in modern finance — proving that in today’s interconnected economy, influence is currency, and access is power.
Michael lives by the words of Larry Ellison: “The only way to really be ahead is to ‘be different’.”
It is this philosophy that drives him — and the future of BlackRidge & Co. — forward.
