An enterprise newly conceived for the times,
built on a 39-year-old foundation
Who we are
A private asset management firm affiliated with Ariel Investments, LLC. Our first mission, Project Black, will scale sustainable minority-owned businesses which will serve as suppliers-of-choice to Fortune 500 companies.
What we do
We plan to invest in middle-market companies, transforming these entities into certified minority business enterprises, and forging a new class of Black and Latinx entrepreneurs.
Why we do it
Fortune 500 companies currently direct an average of only 2%, or $125 billion, of total spend to minority-owned businesses. We aim to close the wealth gap from the entry level to the boardroom.
Today’s societal demands call for pragmatic business solutions to address widespread economic inequality. It is time to stop admiring the problem.
Our Approach
We take an urgent approach to patient investing. Solving
inequality means building businesses, not simply buying and
selling companies. A long-term strategy will allow us to scale
sustainable minority enterprises.
Our Impact
Ariel Alternatives’ Project Black will help Fortune 500 partners achieve supplier
diversity and corporate citizenship impact goals. Through our
companies, we will empower diverse leadership and
workforces, create jobs, and offer employee equity ownership. We
will direct a portion of our profits to philanthropic organizations
dedicated to equality and civil rights.