Michael Akindele is an accomplished entrepreneur, investor, and business leader with a diverse background in product design, venture building, and startup development. As the co-founder, early investor, and Director of Growth and Partnerships at Sweetkiwi, he has been pivotal in expanding the international brand in the U.S. frozen yogurt market since 2019. Under his leadership, Sweetkiwi has grown into a successful health-focused frozen dessert company, gaining national attention after securing a national feature on "Shark Tank" in 2023. Michael also led a team to secure a partnership with The Smurfs and is currently rolling out the new Smurf-themed products in collaboration with Paramount. By Feb 2025, Sweetkiwi's award-winning frozen whipped Greek yogurt will be available in over 4,000 stores nationwide, including Whole Foods Market, Target, Safeway, Albertsons, Weis Markets, Kings, Balducci's, and many other stores, universities, and hospitals.
As an experienced investor and Managing Partner at Uncharted Future Ventures, Michael has demonstrated a keen ability to identify and nurture high-potential startups. His strategic insights and hands-on approach have significantly impacted portfolio companies, helping them accelerate sales growth, forge valuable partnerships, and increase access to capital. From successfully producing The Apprentice: Africa to consulting for major organizations like Bloomberg, Fannie Mae, Capital Group, McKesson, Walgreens, and USAID, Michael brings a unique perspective to the companies he invests in and advises. As the founder of Change50, a non-profit organization introducing entrepreneurship at High School and College levels, Michael's track record of driving growth, facilitating partnerships, and securing funding makes him a valuable asset to any venture, solidifying his position as a notable figure in both the tech and food industries and the broader startup community.