A Note from Our CEO: “We Got Us” —Honoring Our Past, Building Our Future
We got us…
We always have…
We always will…
When Black Ambition launched in 2020, the world was undergoing a profound shift. We saw an opportunity to not just navigate change but to lead it. Five years. A milestone not just of time, but of transformation. As we celebrate the fifth anniversary of Black Ambition, we reflect on the journey—a journey marked by resilience, ingenuity, and an unshakable belief in the power of our community.
What began as a vision to close the wealth, access and opportunity gaps for Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs has now sparked a global movement. From the streets of Atlanta to boardrooms in Paris, from tech hubs in Brazil and Ghana to pitch competitions in Los Angeles and Detroit—our impact is rippling across the world. We are proving, beyond a doubt, that when we bet on ourselves, we win.
Five Years of Empowering Innovation
In four years, Black Ambition has awarded approximately $13 million to 131 visionary entrepreneurs. And those investments have yielded extraordinary results—our network has collectively raised over $280 million and generated more than $265 million in revenue. That’s not just capital; that’s power. That’s transformation in action.
At our most recent Demo Day, we awarded ~$2.7 million to 30 groundbreaking founders, including our $1M Grand Prize Winners, Dr. Monica Williams and Dana Roberts of RedDrop, who are revolutionizing feminine care for tweens. But our work goes beyond financial support. We build networks that pave the way to generational wealth and equip founders to succeed.
A Legacy of Perseverance and Excellence
With all the progress in building uninterrupted pathways, we have seen remarkable achievements from Black and Hispanic founders. Their journeys illustrate not just individual success, but the collective advancement of our communities.
These entrepreneurs have launched innovative startups across various industries, from technology to consumer goods, securing significant funding and gaining international recognition. Their contributions include groundbreaking technologies in AI, significant strides in health and wellness, and transformative consumer products that prioritize sustainability and cultural relevance.
Our wins are strong, yet we are all being interrupted again…
In moments like this, we cannot succumb to the chaos, it is designed to drain us, and break us.
This moment will require us to become the people that do mighty things, be different, move differently, invest differently, fund differently and fight differently.
Our campaign, “We Got Us” — is a mantra, a guiding force that reminds us who we are and what we stand for. It is a reminder that, no matter the obstacles, our mission will not waver. We stand firm in the belief that success is not reserved for a privileged few, but belongs to those who dare to build, disrupt, and innovate.
We don’t walk this road alone. We stand on the shoulders of giants and alongside allies and partners like Visa, Comcast, Adidas, Louis Vuitton, The Lennar Foundation, Heineken, and many others who are creating spaces for collaboration, capital advancement, and generational transformation. These platforms are not just for networking —they are launchpads for the future.
The Certain Road Ahead
In 2025 and beyond, we are doubling down on impact—expanding our benefits package to underrepresented entrepreneurs. We will offer more robust training and mentorship to semifinalists and prize winners; we will work more closely with our partners to curate bespoke learning, network building and partnership opportunities; We will expand our mental health and wellness offerings to network founders, because we need you to be healthy and whole. Our vision remains bold, the mission is clear, and the time is now.
Gratitude and Anticipation
To our founders, our partners, our community—thank you for how you’ve shown up thus far. We need you to dig deeper, to stand in your convictions, and to lend your expertise and resources to our community of innovators and change makers. Your belief, your tenacity, and your commitment fuel this movement. Together, we will continue building a future where success is determined by vision, resilience, and opportunity—not hate.
As we step into this next chapter, we carry the strength of our ancestors and the audacity of our dreams. We are building. We are thriving. We got us.
Welcome to Year Five of the Black Ambition Prize Competition!
With gratitude and unstoppable ambition,
Felecia Hatcher
CEO, Black Ambition