Startup Semifinalists Announced for Million-Dollar Competition by Black Ambition
In a significant move to foster entrepreneurship and close the opportunity and wealth gap, Black Ambition, the nonprofit initiative founded by Pharrell Williams, has announced the semifinalists for its 2025 Black Ambition Prize. The list includes 177 startups across various categories, ranging from technology and artificial intelligence to healthcare, media and entertainment, and consumer products and services.
The technology track features 26 startups, such as Coordle, a location-aware app for group movement and itinerary management, and Pebble, an all-in-one platform to manage and monetize event marketplaces. Notable additions also include Kahlab, which provides access to studios, coworking spaces, and meeting rooms with a simple pricing model.
The artificial intelligence (AI) category boasts 26 startups, including Magier AI, Pentridge Media LLC, OyuAI, and Words Liive. One AI startup, Ella, supports neurodivergent kids with simple, relatable visuals and stories.
The healthcare category, while not providing specific names, is confirmed to have startups selected from thousands of applicants nationwide. The consumer products and services category also features a variety of startups, although the sources do not detail their names.
The media and entertainment sector overlaps with the AI list, with startups like Pentridge Media LLC and Words Liive. Other media and entertainment startups include Harbison Studio Inc., Bri's Dance Place, and Guideli, which automates the migration journey with AI.
Each semifinalist will receive an exclusive Mission: Ambition 2025 Membership Card and join a mentorship cohort. They will have the opportunity to compete for funding of up to $1 million. The founders will also participate in the Black Ambitionist Mentorship Program, powered by Cinematica Labs, for three months.
In addition to these, there are several unique startups worth mentioning. Didómi, a social enterprise, combats the water crisis with reusable water bottles. Puure offers organic women's intimate apparel prioritizing feminine health, comfort, and the environment. UNOMi reduces animation production time and budget by 30% to 70%.
The theme for this year, Mission: Ambition, celebrates the courage, precision, and purpose it takes to build something extraordinary. The selected entrepreneurs are indeed building high-growth ventures in AI, healthcare, media and entertainment, technology, and consumer products and services. For more detailed information about the startups in healthcare, consumer products, or media and entertainment, please consult the official Black Ambition website or related announcements for 2025 semifinalists.
- The technology category features 26 startups, including Coordle, an app for group movement and itinerary management, and Pebble, an all-in-one platform for event marketplaces.
- The artificial intelligence (AI) category has 26 startups, such as Magier AI, OyuAI, and Ella, which supports neurodivergent kids with accessible visuals and stories.
- The media and entertainment sector includes startups like Pentridge Media LLC, Words Liive, Harbison Studio Inc., Bri's Dance Place, and Guideli, which automates the migration journey with AI.
- The healthcare category, while not providing specific names, has startups selected from thousands of applicants nationwide.
- Unique startups like Didómi, UNOMi, and Puure are also among the 177, with Didómi addressing the water crisis, Puure offering organic, women-centric intimate apparel, and UNOMi reducing animation production time and costs.
