Texas rapper turned tech entrepreneur Hakeem Seriki, better known as Chamillionaire, has relaunched his signature startup competition with a fresh $100,000 prize aimed at empowering Black-owned and minority-led startups in 2025. This latest iteration embraces the cutting edge of AI, automation, and the creator economy to help founders scale smarter and faster.
The competition invites startups to apply via the Access Club app, Chamillionaire’s exclusive private investing and deal-making platform launched in 2022. Applicants must demonstrate how their business leverages AI or automation technologies, or innovates within the creator economy—areas Chamillionaire sees as the future of entrepreneurship. The contest runs through November 30, 2025, with finalists receiving mentorship from industry heavyweights including rapper-investor Earl T. “E-40” Stevens, serial entrepreneur Daymond John, and venture partners from Republic, the equity investing platform.
Chamillionaire’s journey from Grammy-winning artist to tech investor is well documented. After early investments in startups like Cruise Automation and co-founding the social video app Convoz, he has doubled down on supporting underrepresented founders. His Access Club app now offers members exclusive access to AI-driven startup deal flow and networking opportunities with influential investors and creators.
“Capital is still the biggest barrier for minority entrepreneurs, but today it’s also about access to technology and networks,” Chamillionaire said in a recent interview. “This competition isn’t just about funding—it’s about connecting founders to the tools and people who can help them build the next generation of tech-powered businesses.”
Past competitions saw Chamillionaire invest $10,000 and $25,000 in minority and women-led startups, but this year’s $100,000 prize reflects the growing scale and ambition of his mission. The contest also highlights how hip-hop culture continues to intersect with Silicon Valley innovation, breaking down barriers and redefining what it means to be a successful entrepreneur in 2025.
Kevin "KevRoss" Ross is a music and radio industry expert. He is a 20 -plus year entrepreneur with the leading most successful industry trade publication and site Radio Facts (www.radiofacts.com). He has also published various books, magazines, performed marketing and promotions for major corporations and recording artists and he is on the advisory board of several industry organizations. This year Ross introduced his non profit organization LOMARI (Leaders of the Music and Recording Industry) to help teach young minority students how to market and manage their music and products.
