Black Ambition

Black Ambition is a non-profit initiative founded by Pharrell Williams in 2020. It aims to close the opportunity and wealth gap by investing capital and resources in early-stage, high-growth startups founded by Black and Latinx entrepreneurs. The organization runs an annual prize competition with separate tracks, including one for HBCU-affiliated founders, where ventures in sectors like technology, healthcare, consumer products/services, media/entertainment, and AI compete for prize money. The grand prize winner can receive up to $1,000,000. In addition to funding, which is provided as cash awards and sometimes investments, Black Ambition provides mentorship, pitch feedback, and access to a network of business leaders.