Will.i.am, the Grammy-winning rapper, producer, and Black Eyed Peas frontman, has always been more than just a musician. With a net worth estimated at $50 million, thanks to chart-topping hits like “Scream & Shout” and “Where Is the Love?”, the 50-year-old artist has proven his business acumen time and again. Beyond the glitz and glamour of the music industry, Will.i.am has built a reputation as a savvy investor, with early stakes in Tesla, Pinterest, and OpenAI cementing his status as a pioneer in the tech space. In a recent interview with Fortune, he opened up about his next big move, revealing where his keen eye for innovation is leading him now.
A Legacy Built on Hits and Investments
Will.i.am’s journey from the streets of East Los Angeles to the global stage is nothing short. As the leader of the Black Eyed Peas, he’s delivered countless chart-topping hits, earning him a place in pop culture history. But it’s not just music that’s propelled him to success. Over the years, he’s quietly built a portfolio of investments that have paid off handsomely. Early bets on Tesla, Pinterest, and OpenAI showcase his ability to spot trends before they explode onto the scene. These ventures, combined with his entrepreneurial ventures and partnerships, have solidified his reputation as a forward-thinking visionary.
The Art of the Investment
In a candid conversation with Fortune, Will.i.am reflected on his past investments, highlighting some of his most successful endeavors. “I did some pretty cool investments in the past,” he said, naming Pinterest, Dropbox, OpenAI, and Anthropic as standout examples. “I invested in Tesla in 2006, before Elon [Musk] took over the company, and he’s done great, taking it to where it is.” His early involvement with Tesla underscores his knack for identifying disruptive technologies long before they hit the mainstream.
He also shared his thoughts on another pivotal investment: Twitter. “I invested in Twitter early on. When Jack [Dorsey] left, I sold it. Made good there.” While Will.i.am’s timing on Twitter was impeccable, his biggest regret remains passing up an opportunity to invest in Airbnb. Founder Brian Chesky approached him in the company’s nascent stages with an offer to invest up to $200,000, but skepticism and a reluctance to embrace unfamiliar experiences led him to decline. Had he seized the opportunity, that stake could be worth millions today, a stark reminder of the risks and rewards inherent in venture capital.
The Hunt for Large Concept Models
Looking ahead, Will.i.am’s focus has shifted to the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence. “I’m hunting for what they call large concept models,” he explained. “Right now, we’re in large language models, but they’re not concepts. It’s just language—they’re just regurgitating our imagination and our concepts.” He believes the next frontier lies in the development of large concept models, which go beyond mere language processing to truly understand and generate ideas.
“The people that are out there doing that are students right now, they’re at MIT, they’re at Stanford. They’re young kids, and they’re native to this. So you want to hunt for that. That’s the only thing I’m focused on,” he emphasized. This laser-like focus on cutting-edge AI aligns perfectly with his background as a futurist and tech entrepreneur.
A History of Innovation
Will.i.am’s passion for technology is no secret. In 2011, Intel named him its “director of creative innovation,” recognizing his ability to blend art and technology. His startup, i.am+, raised $117 million in 2017, further cementing his credentials as a tech innovator. More recently, he founded FYI, an AI-driven productivity and communication platform designed for creatives. Serving as CEO, he brings his unique perspective to the intersection of art and technology, ensuring that the platform meets the needs of its target audience.
Will.i.am’s latest venture, FYI, exemplifies his commitment to innovation. The platform leverages AI to streamline workflows, enhance creativity, and foster collaboration among artists, musicians, and other creatives. By focusing on the tools that drive artistic expression, Will.i.am is positioning himself at the forefront of a new wave of technological advancement.
The Rollout of Raidio.FYI Radios
Will.i.am’s recent interview with Fortune took place in Rome, where he unveiled Raidio.FYI radios in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz. This partnership underscores his ability to blend entertainment with technology, creating experiences that resonate with audiences worldwide. The radios, equipped with FYI’s AI-driven features, offer a glimpse into the future of connected car technology. By integrating advanced AI capabilities, Will.i.am is setting a new standard for in-car entertainment, further solidifying his role as a pioneer in the tech industry.
Lessons Learned
While Will.i.am’s successes are well-documented, his failures have taught him valuable lessons. Passing up the chance to invest in Airbnb remains a poignant reminder of the importance of embracing new ideas and taking calculated risks. “When you travel and you have success, you get used to the best hotels, the best service,” he explained. “Sometimes, when you’re used to the best, and you’re used to being pampered by the best, that could cripple you because when new experiences come, like Airbnb, you’re gonna base it off of the best.”
This mindset shift is crucial for investors looking to capitalize on emerging trends. By remaining open to unconventional solutions and embracing the unknown, entrepreneurs can position themselves for success in rapidly evolving industries.
From his humble beginnings to his current status as a tech tycoon, Will.i.am’s journey is a testament to his adaptability and vision. As he continues to explore the frontiers of AI and technology, his influence extends far beyond the music industry. By investing in startups, founding innovative platforms, and collaborating with leading brands, he’s shaping the future of entertainment and technology. Whether it’s through FYI or his next big investment in large concept models, Will.i.am remains a beacon of creativity and innovation, inspiring others to dream big and think differently.
Add Comment