Hip Hop major leaguer and entrepreneurial magnate, Chamillionaire’s eclectic exploits have hoisted him to heroic heights which only so scarce a sum have sought to soar. Crafting his name from the chameleon reptile which switches its colors- and a monetary sum in the tenor of millions, Chamillionaire’s phenomenal facility to blend in the entertainment and commercial wild have yielded him crop more than much his kin.
Hakeem Temidayo Seriki was born to a Muslim Yoruba father and an African-American Christian mother in Washington D.C.. He is known internationally by his rap epithet Chamillionaire born on Nov. 28, 1979, is an American rapper, songwriter, and entrepreneur from Houston, Texas. He began his career in the early 2000s with local releases, including a collaborative album “Get Ya Mind Correct” with Paul Wall. His major break came with the 2005 album “The Sound of Revenge” under Universal Records, featuring hits like “Ridin'” and “Turn It Up.” He is also known for his business ventures and as the CEO of Chamillitary Entertainment. Chamillionaire also joined Upfront Ventures, a Los Angeles-based venture capital firm, in 2015.
Chamillionaire’s early life in Washington D.C. and Houston played a significant role in shaping his music career. Exposed to various musical influences, he was inspired by acts like Geto Boys and N.W.A. Alongside Paul Wall, he became part of the Houston mixtape scene, eventually leading to significant success in the mainstream music industry. His later career includes a shift toward entrepreneurship, with significant involvement in venture capital and technology startups, while maintaining an active presence in music through independent releases and collaborations. Chamillionaire turned from a hip-hop entrepreneur to a serial investor. He currently has investments in over 60 companies. He has an estimated net worth of about $50 million. Some of his investments and business ventures are:
- CHAMILLITARY ENTERTAINMENT
Founded in 2004, Chamillitary Entertainment, the brainchild of Chamillionaire, stands as a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit in the music industry. After leaving record labels Swishahouse and Paid In Full Entertainment, Chamillionaire decided to form his own label. This independent record label not only facilitates his own musical releases but also fosters collaborations with other artists. It epitomizes artistic freedom, enabling Chamillionaire and his peers to explore their creative horizons without the typical constraints of mainstream record labels. This venture underscores his commitment to both artistic integrity and independence in the music world. The label has been independent since January 15, 2011, following Chamillionaire’s parting ways with Universal Records.
- MASTERPIECE MIND FRAME
Chamillionaire launched a modeling company, called Masterpiece Mind Frame, a for profit business sponsored by his belief in the usefulness of helping models with dreams of making it big, yet who have not been privileged with platform or publicity to display their potential or prowess.
- TOUR BUS COMPANY
In 2006, Chamillionaire, captivated by the potential he discovered while touring the US, launched his own Tour Bus Company. This venture, inspired by his experiences following the release of “The Sound of Revenge,” is more than just transportation; it’s a luxurious, rolling haven for artists. Each bus is a marvel of modern amenities, equipped with internet, cable, a recording studio, DVD, surround sound, and even a shower, ensuring that every journey is not just a ride, but a high-end, creative experience.
- CHAMTECH
Chamtech is an enterprise company specializing in custom antenna systems for RF devices and applications. Chamtech’s spray-on technology allows users to paint wireless antennas onto surfaces like walls, cars, and trees. Chamillionaire’s venture into the tech industry, colloquially termed ChamTech, is a vibrant showcase of his entrepreneurial zeal. This pursuit involves strategic investments in a range of tech startups, highlighting his commitment to innovation and his desire to be at the forefront of technological breakthroughs. His involvement in ChamTech is a clear indication of his ambition to be a pivotal figure in the dynamic world of technology, constantly seeking the next significant advancement in the field. Chamtech’s innovative spray-on antenna technology and Chamillionaire’s multifaceted journey demonstrate creativity and business acumen.
- CONVOZ
Convoz is a social video app that connects people across the world through face to face conversations about topics that matter. Chamillionaire and Glen Allison founded the business, under the parent company X Empire Inc. and was seeded by Upfront Ventures. The video-centric platform allows users to send 15-second clips directly to celebrities and they can then watch and choose which ones they want to respond to, sometimes broadcasting a message for all to see as well as live streaming to their followers. The business has a total of seven employees, and has cultivated an undisclosed amount of seed funding from Greycroft Ventures, Upfront Ventures, 500 Startups, Precursor VC, Okapi Ventures, XG Ventures, and a roster of angels including Justin Kan and Snoop Dogg.
- ACCESS CLUB
The innovative Access Club app was introduced in beta by X Empire Inc., under the guidance of Hakeem Seriki, in May 2022. This exclusive app revolutionizes the personal investing and trading landscape, designed specifically for a select member base. It uniquely facilitates access to startups and key industry players, offering a nexus for elite networking and investment opportunities in the tech-savvy business world. Access Club is an invite-only social club specifically designed for influential angel investors which provides a platform for networking, discussions, and sharing insights related to investments.
- CRUISE
Chamillionaire expanded his investment portfolio by investing in Cruise, a self-driving car startup. This strategic move into the autonomous vehicle industry is indicative of his forward-thinking approach and his interest in cutting-edge technology. Cruise, known for its innovative strides in the realm of self-driving technology, represents a significant step for Chamillionaire in aligning with transformative and future-focused industries. This investment highlights his keen eye for emerging tech trends and his commitment to being part of pioneering technological advancements.
- LYFT
Chamillionaire’s investment acumen is further showcased in his strategic investment in Lyft, a major player in the ride-sharing industry. Chamillionaire was an early investor in Lyft before it went public. This decision underscores his vision for supporting innovative and impactful companies at the forefront of transforming urban mobility and personal transportation. Lyft, known for its commitment to redefining city transportation, aligns well with Chamillionaire’s penchant for investing in companies that are not just technologically advanced but also socially impactful.
- MAKER STUDIOS
Chamillionaire’s investment portfolio includes a notable stake in Maker Studios, a media company renowned for its innovative approach to online video content creation. When Maker Studios launched in 2009, Chamillionaire was one of its earliest investors. What’s more, in 2014, Disney acquired the YouTube multi-channel network for $500 million. Chamillionaire’s $1.5-million investment earned him a return on investment (ROI) of more than $20 million, according to The Black Wall Street Times.
