Courtesy of Morehouse College
Rashaun Williams, a venture capitalist and part-owner of the Atlanta Falcons, has announced an extraordinary commitment to his alma mater, Morehouse College, by pledging to donate his entire salary from the team over the next four years.
The groundbreaking announcement was made on Feb. 15 at the 37th Annual āA Candle in the Darkā Gala, where Williams received theĀ Bennie Trailblazer Award. During his heartfelt address, he expressed profound gratitude for Morehouse.
āOne thing Iāve always wanted my entire life, coming from the South Side of Chicago, was just stability. I remember going to Crown Forum and freshman orientation and learning all the things I learned atĀ MorehouseĀ and eventually getting to Wall Street, Williams stated. āOne thing Morehouse gave me that no one else has been able to give me in my entire life is that stability. For four years, Morehouse poured into me, and in return, I would like to donate my entire salary for the next four years back to Morehouse.ā
Williams, a proud alumnus of the Class of 2001, is widely recognized not just for his role with the Falcons but also as a prominent figure in venture capital. With a notable track record of over 170 investments and more than 50 successful exits, he co-founded Queensbridge Venture Partners and served as a guest Shark on ABCās āShark Tank.ā His extensive experience includes roles at prestigious financial institutions such as Goldman Sachs and Deutsche Bank, where he honed his expertise in driving capital into diverse markets.
Growing up on the South Side of Chicago, Williams faced numerous challenges, including poverty and instability. These hardships motivated him to seek answers and solutions that could uplift his community. His relentless pursuit of knowledge and improvement led him to Morehouse College, where he graduated at the top of his class and laid the foundation for a successful career.
In addition to his business ventures, Williams is passionate about community empowerment and financial literacy. In 2001, he founded the Kemet Institute, which provides free financial education to underserved communities. He recently established Antimatter Business Partners to guide professional athletes and entertainers manage their private equity family offices.
Williamsā recognition at the gala was not solely a celebration of his contributions to finance and entrepreneurship but also his commitment to uplifting the next generation of leaders. As a Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc. member and a board member of The Atlanta Opera, he remains dedicated to academic excellence and community service.
His generous pledge to Morehouse exemplifies his belief in educationās transformative power and commitment to giving back to the institution that shaped his path.