Make it epic, w/will.i.am

Beats Evolution

The Beats brand became a pivotal success story by integrating music with hardware innovation. Reid Hoffman shares how Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre transformed a casual beach conversation into a billion-dollar idea, moving from sneakers to speakers 1. William Adams, known as will.i.am, played a crucial role in promoting Beats, embedding the brand in Black Eyed Peas videos and even wearing them during a CNN interview 1. He envisioned using music to sell hardware, a concept that initially seemed daunting but eventually led to the creation of Beats 2.

I'm like, Jimmy, why don't we make our own hardware and use our own music to sell our own hardware?

--- William Adams

The partnership culminated in Apple's $3 billion acquisition of Beats, marking a significant milestone in the tech and music industries 1.

   

iTunes Opportunity

The strategic partnership between will.i.am and Apple exemplifies leveraging a song's placement to create brand opportunities. William Adams recounts how the Black Eyed Peas' involvement in the iTunes launch was initially met with skepticism due to the lack of financial compensation 3. However, his deep-rooted admiration for Apple led him to seize the opportunity, which later opened doors to numerous product launches 3. Reid Hoffman highlights how will.i.am's career is a testament to mastering leverage, using timing and partnerships to transform opportunities into epic successes 4.

Will and the Black Eyed Peas leveraged that launch into numerous product launches that followed.

--- Reid Hoffman

This approach underscores the importance of recognizing and acting on potential, even when immediate rewards aren't apparent.

   

Creative Tech Startups

Will.i.am's venture into tech startups illustrates the fusion of creative arts with technological advancements. He founded i.am+ in 2012, a tech startup focusing on wearables and AI, driven by the belief that artists should own the technology they help sell 5. William Adams5. Reid Hoffman notes how will.i.am's partnerships, like those with Jimmy Iovine, demonstrate the exponential growth potential when diverse disciplines intersect 6.

In the future, like, hardware companies, our software companies, and content companies.

--- William Adams

This innovative approach has led to significant investments, including $117 million in venture financing for i.am+ 5.