After joining Apollo in 2008 as a Private Equity associate, Michael Martin, co-founder and CEO of Sidekick, an AI-native system of action for residential real estate, gained early exposure to high-stakes investing during one of the most volatile periods in financial markets. That experience, combined with a decade leading digital transformation as Managing Partner at Code and Theory and co-founding Avenue 8, ultimately led him to launch Sidekick, where he focuses on modernizing the infrastructure behind one of the largest industries in the U.S.
Michael began his career at Deutsche Bank after graduating with High Honors from Dartmouth College. He has built his career at the intersection of investing, technology, and entrepreneurship, and is a member of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations.
In our latest Alumni Spotlight, Michael reflects on his unique career journey and how his early days at Apollo continue to influence his approach to leading, building, and investing.
Starting in the Deep End: A Foundation Built on Intensity
Michael joined Apollo at a pivotal moment in global financial history. “I joined Apollo the summer of 2008.” Just months later, he found himself immersed in the unfolding financial crisis. “I distinctly remember receiving an all-firm email one Sunday night in September 2008 at the onset of the collapse of Lehman Brothers. I was in the office alongside most of my colleagues within the hour.”
That moment became formative. The urgency, rigor, and opportunity-seeking mindset he witnessed shaped his understanding of what high-performance truly looks like. “This intensity and strategy of investing characterized my experience,” he reflected. “Based on how quickly and deftly Apollo moved during those early days, it is absolutely no surprise to me that the firm has achieved all the success it has since then.”
Defining Excellence: The Apollo Standard
For Michael, Apollo instilled more than technical skills, it set a lifelong benchmark. “Working at Apollo means getting to experience firsthand what exceptional looks like. It is a feeling that never leaves you.”
This standard continues to influence how he leads today. “The most impactful cultures are the ones that create space for extreme ownership and contrarian, independent thinking.”
Building with Conviction: The Founder Journey
Today, Michael’s work at Sidekick focuses on eliminating inefficiencies in residential real estate, an industry still reliant on outdated systems, and helping agents and brokerages operate more effectively.
But building a company comes with its challenges: “The highs and lows of the founder journey are very real, and being a founder requires resilience and a deep conviction in the problem you’re solving.” What drives him is the ability to create impact at scale. “Having the agency to drive all aspects of the business and effect meaningful change… is extremely motivating.”
Thinking Big, Thinking Small: Lessons in Value Creation
Michael credits Apollo with shaping how he approaches building businesses and teams. “Small, highly-skilled teams working with great intention can accomplish anything.”
Equally important is the balance between vision and execution. “Value creation requires thinking big and thinking small at the same time.” This dual mindset, holding a macro thesis while understanding micro-level levers, continues to guide his leadership at Sidekick.
Leaning Into the Unknown: Career Advice
Michael’s career path underscores the unpredictability of professional growth. “The path forward is rarely clear, and only in hindsight can the pieces begin to make sense.” His advice is rooted in optimism and action. “If you take a leap into a new direction that you’re excited about, the net will appear.”
A Lasting Impact: The Power of the Apollo Network
Michael remains closely connected to Apollo and the Apollo Alumni Network. “It’s a world-class firm with some of the smartest, most capable people I’ve ever met.”