Black Ambition Prize
Pharrell Williams' nonprofit competition awarding up to $1 million in non-dilutive funding to Black and Hispanic-led startups.
About this program
Founded in 2020 by Pharrell Williams, Black Ambition runs an annual prize competition for early-stage startups led by Black, Hispanic, or other underrepresented founders. The 2026 competition awards prizes from $15,000 to $1,000,000 across consumer products, healthcare, media and entertainment, technology, and AI categories, including a separate HBCU prize track. To date, Black Ambition has awarded approximately $13 million to 131 entrepreneurs.
Eligibility
For-profit ventures with at least one founding team member from a background underrepresented in venture capital (including but not limited to Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino/Latinx, LGBTQ, first-generation immigrants, first-generation college graduates). Must be incorporated or planning to incorporate in the U.S., have an MVP or existing customer base, and have raised less than $1 million in dilutive funding.
Requirements
- Application opens late February 2026; closes early May 2026
- Submit business overview, pitch deck, and team description
- Demonstrate minimum viable product or existing customer traction