Black Ambition Selects Startup Semifinalists for $1M Prize

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Published by Stephen Oluwadara at July 1, 2025

About Black Ambition

Black Ambition is a nonprofit initiative dedicated to closing the opportunity and wealth gap through entrepreneurship. The platform invests capital and resources in high-growth startups founded by underrepresented entrepreneurs.

Launched in 2020 by Pharrell Williams, this year’s theme, Mission: Ambition, celebrates the courage, precision, and purpose it takes to build something extraordinary. In recognition of their achievement, each semifinalist will receive an exclusive Mission: Ambition 2025 Membership Card—a sleek, futuristic credential that marks their entry into a select circle of innovators.

The founders will now be preparing to elevate their ventures through the Black Ambitionist Mentorship Program, powered by Cinematica Labs. The three-month experience provides strategic mentorship, community support, and tailored tools to guide each founder toward sustainable growth and success. In collaboration with Evok Life, semifinalists will also receive dedicated mental health and wellbeing support to help them lead with clarity, balance, and resilience.

Meet The 2025 Black Ambition Semifinalists

The startups were handpicked from thousands of applicants nationwide in the areas of AI, healthcare, media and entertainment, technology, and consumer products and services. Meet the 2025 Black Ambition Prize Semifinalists

Technology

In the technology track, 26 startups were selected. The companies here are leveraging technologies to disrupt industries such as education, group travel, and co-working space hubs.

For example, Coordle makes group movement easy through its intuitive, feature-rich app, which is location-aware and provides streamlined real-time information, messaging, and hosting capabilities, as well as a dynamic itinerary.

Pebble is making events simple again by leveraging its all-in-one platform to manage and monetize event marketplaces. Meanwhile, Kahlab gives you access to top-rated studios, coworking spaces, and meeting rooms — all at an all-in-one price, with no hourly fees and no hassle.

Other startups on the technology list include Inspirame, DISTRYB, Druid Agriculture, Remote Gravity, The Streets App, LLC, ShieldForce Corporation, SULA LABS, Pebble, Siyanse LLC, Interplay, SeekPTO, BlackWolf App, CodeAlgo, Inc., SPARE, COUNT, Looks For Lease Technologies Inc., Securing Degrees LLC, and Kritkarr Inc.

Healthcare

In the healthcare track of the 2025 Black Ambition list, 27 startups were selected. This pioneering class of founders is defying gravity and shaping the future of innovation in the sector.

Female-led Zoe Diagnostics’ first product, Rescue Strips, is a drug detection kit that can quickly identify the presence of fentanyl within a substance in 3 minutes. Jayla Health is a perimenopause care platform offering multi-day hormone testing, telehealth consultations, and personalized medications.

In the meantime, TheraMotive uses AI, virtual reality, and wearable technology to guide and track physical therapy progress. Some of the other startups include IMIDeology, Vontelle Eyewear, SickFit, Theracuity, Ask Daysi, SprainGo LLC, GOURMETMILES, WellMiss, Express Care Transport LLC, Dr. Love Care, FarmerJawn, Oma Health, Nictavi LLC, Neo Sophia, Nara Therapy Inc., Mind The Skin, and others.

Artificial Intelligence

In the Artificial Intelligence category, there’s Ella, which supports neurodivergent kids by turning complex instructions and emotions into simple, relatable visuals and stories.

UNOMi is an innovative and easy-to-use software for animators that reduces the production time and budget on developing content by 30% to 70%. In addition, Guideli provides a personalized platform that leverages AI to automate the migration journey, removing all friction from permanent residency to settlement.

A total of 26 startups were selected for the 2025 Black Ambition AI list. Other startups include Magier AI, Pentridge Media LLC, OyuAI, Words Liive, LAMAR Global, WorkUp, ECGO, UfarmX, Clyn, Toyz Electronics, Stakestack AI, TalentAINow, Pillowtalk, Peas Technology, WELLie powered by Arise Wellness, WE Inc., and others.

Consumer Products and Services

The track with the most startups, featuring 78 companies, focuses on consumer products and services. This list includes a few notable startups that showcase boldness, creativity, and significant growth potential.

Didómi is a social enterprise dedicated to combating the water crisis through the use of reusable water bottles. Puure is an organic women’s intimate apparel company that offers organic underwear that prioritizes feminine health without compromising comfort, style, or the environment.

Meanwhile, founded by Sebastian and Gabrielle Jackson, Saint Martin is a hydrating conditioner for textured hair and beards, repairing damage and enhancing moisture with Shea Butter and natural oils.

Other startups in the Consumer Products and Services category include Harbison Studio Inc., Bri’s Dance Place, We Outside!, Franklin’s Fruit Tea, Mowie, Blue Water Girls, Black People Will Swim, BEJOU, SALUBATA, Krave Cocktail Seltzer, Harlem Cycle, Chica Beauty LLC, BāKIT Box, ShopHowell, Sweet Fields, DelivHer! Fem Care Inc., Rizo Radiance, Lola Ade and others.

Media and Entertainment

20 startups were handpicked for this track to receive support in leading with clarity, balance, and resilience. Tech Afrique is a boutique creative studio and record label that partners with brands to craft powerful narratives through short-form content, experiential installations, and music composition.

On their part, DAWn Audio combines community tools, gamification, and creative resources to help music creators build consistent habits and grow together. While 821 Tennis is a modern tennis and lifestyle company based in Miami, it focuses on creating community-driven experiences for adult players of all levels.

Other startups are Just Like Me TV, Co-Media, Konkret Comics, Healthy Hip Hop, Cali’s Books, Tech Afrique, Maison Bijon Design Institute, Extinguished Youth Productions, Momentum, Loyd Visuals, Florida Film House LLC, AllHipHopTV, GIDI MEDIA, Red Eye Film Productions, My Beautiful Mind.

Here is the full 2025 Black Ambition Semifinalists List.

Main Image: Black Ambition Demo Day 2025: Photo Courtesy of Black Ambition