Who is Richie Akiva and why is he called ‘King of Nightclubs’?
RICHIE AKIVA is a hugely successful businessman who is known for his close friendships with some of the world’s biggest stars.
The CEO, from the US, has also been romantically linked to some famous faces throughout the years.
Who is Richie Akiva?
Richie Akiva is a nightclub tycoon from New York.
He was born on the September 19, 1976, and started his nightlife career when he began working as a promoter aged 19.
In 2002 Akiva started The Butter Group with former business partner Scott Sartiano and the pair went on to open several star-studded venues together.
Akiva was romantically linked to Rihanna in 2015 but they nnever made their relationship official.
He is close friends with many celebrities, including Jay-Z, Rosario Dawson and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Why is Richie Akiva known as ‘King of Nightclubs’?
Akiva has become known as the King of Nightclubs thanks to his various business ventures and presence on the nightclub scene over the years.
In 2007 he opened the famous 10ak nightclub, which has hosted names such as Justin Bieber, Kevin Hart, Katy Perry and Kendall Jenner.
His The Butter Group also owns other iconic NYC venues like Up & Down and Butter.
At his various venues Akiva has thrown parties for the likes of Rihanna and Naomi Campbell, and also hosts after-parties on fashion’s biggest night- the Met Gala.
Akiva’s latest venture is the Ned members-only club in New York, which opened in June 2023.
Stars like Kevin Durant, Drake, Lil Nas X and Scott Disick have all been spotted entering the exclusive club.
When did Richie Akiva date Arabella Chi?
Akiva dated model and social media influencer Arabella Chi over the summer of 2023.
Chi, who took part in the fifth season of Love Island in 2019, was first spotted kissing Akiva while on a luxury yacht off the coast of Ibiza in August 2023.
Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio, who is friends with Akiva, was also on board the extravagant vessel.
A source told The Sun at the time: “Arabella is enjoying a summer romance with Richie and they’ve grown close in recent weeks.
“She lives in Ibiza now so when Leo and his mates came to town she was invited on board their yacht.
“It’s a world away from the Love Island villa but Arabella is totally at ease with anyone and everyone.
“She’s been treated like a queen on the yacht with Leo and his pals and is clearly having the time of her life.”
After their kiss in Ibiza, Arabella was later spotted flying to New York to visit Akiva and was even seen driving his new Porsche around the city.
After a whirlwind romance the pair split in October 2023 and Arabella has since been linked to Manchester City defender Ruben Dias.
What is Richie Akiva’s net worth?
Akiva’s net worth is thought to be in the millions, with The Butter Group once being estimated to be worth $50million.
A Bloomberg report also estimates the company made $250million over a decade.
According to the New York Times, Akiva’s former partner Sartiano sold his share of The Butter Group to Akiva in 2014.
Soon after, however, he sued for $15 million, claiming Akiva had “underreported income and underpaid him in the deal”.