Pharrell Lanscilo Williams, most often known as Pharrell, is an American musician, singer, songwriter, rapper, record producer, fashion designer, and Entrepreneur. He first became known as one half of the hip hop and R&B production duo the Neptunes, which he formed in 1992 with Chad Hugo. Over time, 15 of their productions peaked within the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100, which includes four songs that peaked atop the chart. He also formed the alternative band N.E.R.D. with Hugo and drummer Shay Haley in 1999, for which Williams serves as lead vocalist. He has been considered one of the most influential music producers of the 21st century for his impact on popular music.
The Black Ambition Project offers funding and mentorship to Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs.
Even though he has gotten one of the most enviable jobs in fashion — men’s creative director for Louis Vuitton — the multi-entertainer remains committed to Black Ambition, his nonprofit organization that works to empower Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs.
Since it was founded in 2020, the organization has hosted competitions to provide mentorship, resources, connections, and up to $3 million in funding to founders innovating in consumer products and services, media and entertainment, health care, technology, and Web 3.0 industries.
Some Companies partnering with the nonprofit on the Black Ambition Prize include Adidas, Lennar Foundation, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Visa Foundation, Heineken, and Chanel.
In addition to a monetary award, prize winners will receive connections to additional investors and funding, and are able to have biweekly office hours with leaders in marketing, public relations, and brand building from companies including Heineken, Snapchat, and Netflix.
They are also invited to attend town hall meetings with Pharrell Williams as well as life coaching and other workshops, both in a group setting as well as one-on-one meetings.
According to Black Ambition, adverse market conditions in 2022 led to a 45 percent decrease in financing for Black entrepreneurs, and the organization is doing its part to bridge that gap.
Stay tuned for more on Pharrell William’s “Black Ambition” project.
