Multimillionaire musician Will.i.am invested early in Tesla, Twitter ...
Will.i.am has an estimated net worth of $50 million, thanks to hit singles and solid investments in the likes of Anthropic and Pinterest. In a conversation with Fortune, he reveals where he’s investing next.
Early Investments in Tech Giants
Black Eyed Peas frontman Will.i.am has built a fortune off chart-topping hits like “Scream & Shout” and “Where Is the Love?” As of 2025, he’s reportedly worth around $50 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth—but it’s not just music that’s made him millions. Beyond his success in the studio, he was an early investor in Tesla, Pinterest, and OpenAI, proving his business instincts are just as sharp as his songwriting.
Insights into Investment Strategy
Will.i.am, known by his real name William James Adams Jr., shared insights about his investment decisions with Fortune. He highlighted his early investments in companies like Tesla and Twitter, showcasing his foresight in recognizing potential growth opportunities.
Discussing his investment in Tesla, he mentioned, “I invested in Tesla in 2006, before Elon [Musk] took over the company, and he's done great, taking it to where it is. Hopefully, he can figure out a way to get it back to its glory.” Similarly, his early investment in Twitter proved to be a wise decision.
Future Investment Plans
Looking ahead, Will.i.am expressed his interest in investing in large concept models, emphasizing the importance of innovation and cutting-edge technology. He emphasized the need to identify and support young talents at institutions like MIT and Stanford who are at the forefront of groundbreaking ideas.
Venturing into AI and Tech Entrepreneurship
With a background as a futurist and tech entrepreneur, Will.i.am has made significant strides in the tech industry. His involvement with Intel as the “director of creative innovation” and the success of his startup, i.am+, demonstrate his commitment to innovation.
His most recent venture, FYI—an AI-driven productivity and communication platform for creatives—reflects his ongoing interest in artificial intelligence and its applications in various sectors.
Missed Opportunities and Lessons Learned
Despite his successful investment track record, Will.i.am also acknowledges missed opportunities. One notable decision was declining to invest in Airbnb during its early stages. Reflecting on this choice, he shared insights about the importance of being open to new experiences and not being limited by past luxuries.
Airbnb’s subsequent success, including one of the most successful IPOs in history, serves as a reminder of the potential gains that could have been made from seizing investment opportunities.
This story was originally featured on Fortune.com.
