How Will.i.am Scaled from Music to Tech: Entrepreneurial Lessons in the Scale It Method
As a longtime fan of Will.i.am., not just of his music, but of his leadership and character, I’ve admired how he has transformed from a global music icon into a respected entrepreneur, CEO and philanthropist. His journey is proof that with vision, creativity, and the right strategy, you can scale a business far beyond its original roots.
At Pinnacle Global Network, we help CEOs and business owners use the Scaleit Method to expand their companies with clarity and sustainability. Will.i.am’s business success story offers powerful lessons for every entrepreneur who dreams of scaling their impact.
Will.i. am’s Journey as an Entrepreneur and CEO
Most of us know will.i.am as the founding member of the Black Eyed Peas. But what many don’t realize is that he is also the founder and CEO of i.am+, a tech company at the forefront of artificial intelligence, wearables, and voice technology.
What’s remarkable about will.i.am is that he didn’t just stop at being an artist – he leveraged his influence and creativity to step into the role of entrepreneur and business founder. He recognized that technology could shape the future, so he built a company that reflected his vision for innovation.
This kind of bold move is exactly what we encourage entrepreneurs to embrace: to see beyond their current success and step into a much bigger vision.
Scaling Business the Scale It Way
Scaling a business is very different from simply starting one. Many entrepreneurs get stuck working in their business, but true growth comes from working on the business, building systems, teams, and strategies that allow it to thrive without being dependent on one person.
Will.i.am applied this mindset with i.am+. He grew his business by focusing on innovation, strategic partnerships, and leveraging his unique strengths while surrounding himself with experts. This is exactly what we teach through the Scale It Method:
- Build a strong leadership team.
- Create scalable systems and processes.
- Innovate to stay ahead of the curve.
- Align your company with a bigger mission.
Will.i.am didn’t just start a company, he scaled one by aligning it with his vision for making the world more connected through technology.
Will.i.am isn’t just a music icon – he’s also a powerhouse innovator with a seriously diverse portfolio spanning tech, consumer products, and even the automotive industry. His ventures show how creativity, business, and impact can intersect in powerful ways. Here are some highlights:
Technology & AI
- Beats Electronics – As one of the founding equity stakeholders in Beats by Dre, he helped build a brand that Apple later acquired for $3 billion.
- Intel – Back in 2011, Intel brought him on as their director of creative innovation to bridge entertainment and technology.
- i.am+ – His own tech startup, which launched an iPhone accessory line in 2012 and later acquired the smart home company Wink in 2017.
- FYI.AI – Will.i.am founded and leads this Web 3.0 AI messenger and productivity platform, which has partnered with Arizona State University.
- AI Investments – Through a private investment group, he’s invested in some of the world’s leading AI companies, including OpenAI, Anthropic, and Inflection AI.
Consumer Products
- Coca-Cola (EKOCYCLE) – A collaboration with Coca-Cola to create sustainable consumer goods from recycled materials.
- Honeywell (XUPERMASK) – During the pandemic, he teamed up with Honeywell and a Hollywood designer to launch a futuristic, high-tech face mask complete with noise-canceling headphones and HEPA filters.
- ill.i Optics – His own premium eyewear brand.
Automotive
- Mercedes-Benz (Sound Drive) – In 2024, he launched Sound Drive, a startup in partnership with Mercedes-Benz. The technology integrates music into electric vehicles, remixing tracks in real time based on the car’s movements and data…
Will.i.am doesn’t just innovate in business – he pours his energy into giving back. Through his nonprofit, the i.am Angel Foundation, he invests in the next generation by funding educational opportunities for underprivileged students. The foundation focuses on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) and makes a real difference by:
- Supporting after-school robotics clubs that spark creativity and problem-solving.
- Providing college scholarships to open doors for students who might not otherwise have the chance.
What Entrepreneurs Can Learn from will.i.am
Every CEO and business owner can take inspiration from will.i.am’s entrepreneurial journey. His story reminds us that:
- Vision drives growth. He didn’t settle for one career path; he expanded into new industries with purpose.
- Scaling requires courage. Moving from music to tech was a bold leap that required resilience and innovation.
- Success is about impact. He uses his platform to not only build business but to influence positive change in education and technology.
At Pinnacle Global Network, we see over and over that when leaders adopt this mindset and apply proven Scaling strategies, they are able to grow faster, lead stronger, and make a greater impact.
Final Thoughts
Will.i.am’s journey as an entrepreneur is more than just a success story. It’s a roadmap for any CEO or business owner ready to scale. He proves that no matter your starting point, you can build something bigger than yourself when you combine passion with the right systems.
If you’re ready to step into your own vision and scale your business with confidence, the Scaleit Method can be your guide, just as it has been for thousands of entrepreneurs around the world.