Tesla Stock Price- Will.i.am’s Biggest Investment Mistake: Turning Down Airbnb

Tesla Stock Price- Inside Will.i.am’s Journey from Music Star to Tech Investor

Tesla Stock Price– Will.i.am, the frontman of Black Eyed Peas, has made a name for himself not only as a Grammy-winning artist but also as a savvy investor. With chart-topping hits like “Scream & Shout” and “Where Is the Love?”, he has built a fortune that, as of 2025, is estimated to be around $50 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. However, his wealth isn’t just a result of his music career; it’s also due to his early investments in tech giants such as Tesla, Pinterest, and OpenAI, demonstrating that his business instincts are just as sharp as his songwriting.

Will.i.am’s ability to spot lucrative investment opportunities early in their development is one of the key reasons behind his financial success. The artist invested in Tesla in 2006, before Elon Musk took the reins at the company. Reflecting on that decision, Will.i.am noted, “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.” His foresight also extended to other successful ventures, such as Pinterest, Dropbox, OpenAI, and Anthropic, all of which he considers among his most intelligent investments.

He shared these insights in an interview with Fortune, where he emphasized the value of recognizing potential in early-stage ventures. “I invested in Twitter early on. When Jack [Dorsey] left, I sold it. Made good there,” he said, illustrating how he not only made sound investments but also knew when to exit, maximizing his profits.

As a forward-thinking entrepreneur, Will.i.am is always on the lookout for the next big opportunity. Currently, he’s focused on what he refers to as “large concept models.” He explained, “Right now, we’re in large language models, but they’re not concepts. It’s just language—they’re just regurgitating our imagination and our concepts.” His interest lies in the development of large concept models, a technological leap he believes is just around the corner.

Will.i.am’s deep dive into the future of tech reveals his focus on finding visionary young entrepreneurs who are shaping the next era of innovation. “Around the corner, someone’s going to build large concept models. So you want to hunt for that. You want to hunt for the people that are out there doing that,” he explained. He believes that the brightest minds are still in school, attending institutions like MIT and Stanford, and he’s actively seeking to support the next generation of innovators.

In his pursuit of cutting-edge technology, Will.i.am has already made strides in the AI space. His startup, i.am+, raised $117 million in 2017 and has set the stage for his most recent project, FYI. FYI is an AI-driven platform designed to enhance productivity and communication, particularly for creatives. Will.i.am serves as the CEO of the platform, pushing forward his vision of integrating AI into everyday life.

A Futurist Vision with a Tech-Driven Focus

Will.i.am’s interest in technology and innovation has deep roots. In 2011, Intel appointed him as their “director of creative innovation,” further solidifying his place as a futurist in the tech world. His work at i.am+ and his latest ventures, including FYI, show that his passion for technology isn’t just about staying ahead of trends—it’s about creating solutions for the future.

At the launch of Raidio.FYI, an AI-driven radio platform integrated into Mercedes-Benz cars, Will.i.am highlighted the growing importance of AI in both the creative and business worlds. As an investor and entrepreneur, his focus is clear: to back visionary concepts that will shape the future of technology.

Despite his long list of successful investments, Will.i.am has one significant regret: passing on the opportunity to invest in Airbnb during its early days. He revealed that Airbnb’s founder, Brian Chesky, approached him with a chance to invest up to $200,000, but Will.i.am was skeptical. “When you travel and you have success, you get used to the best hotels, the best service, right?” Will.i.am explained. “So sometimes, when you’re used to the best, and you’re used to being pampered by the best, that could cripple you because when new experiences come, like Airbnb, you’re gonna base it off of the best.”

At the time, Will.i.am struggled to see how Airbnb could work without the high-end services he was accustomed to. He added, “You’re gonna say, hey, so you guys have concierge, and he’s gonna say, no. That ain’t gonna work. So you guys have room service? No. That ain’t gonna work. So I was tunnel vision and pampered by luxury.” This missed opportunity serves as a valuable lesson for Will.i.am, reminding him of the importance of embracing new ideas, even when they challenge the status quo.

Looking Ahead: Will.i.am’s Future Investments

While Will.i.am may regret passing on Airbnb, his overall investment strategy remains sharp and focused on the future. By seeking out young, innovative minds and keeping an eye on emerging technologies like AI and large concept models, he’s positioned himself to continue his success as both an artist and a business mogul.

For Will.i.am, the future is all about finding the next big thing—and he’s betting on the brightest minds to get there. Whether it’s AI, blockchain, or the next breakthrough in tech, he’s committed to discovering and supporting the ideas that will change the world.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Cryptocurrencies and stocks, particularly in micro-cap companies, are subject to significant volatility and risk. Please conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions.