25 companies behind Jay-Z’s $2.5 billion fortune

On Feb 28, 2025

Key Points

Jay-Z built a $2.5 billion empire spanning music, liquor, sports, and venture capital, becoming hip-hop’s first billionaire and a top Black entrepreneur.
His biggest financial wins came from liquor—selling stakes in Armand de Brignac and D’Ussé for a combined $1 billion.
Beyond music, his Roc Nation empire dominates entertainment and sports, managing stars like Rihanna and Kevin De Bruyne.

Forty years ago, few could have imagined that a young boy from Marcy Houses—a public housing project in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood—would rise to become not just the greatest rapper of all time, but also the first hip-hop billionaire.

Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter’s story is one of relentless ambition, sharp business instincts, and a willingness to take risks in spaces where few had ventured before. From honing his craft under the mentorship of fellow Brooklyn rapper Jaz-O to building a multibillion-dollar empire spanning music, entertainment, liquor, venture capital, and sports, Jay-Z has defied expectations at every turn.

His career started in the late 1980s, but after struggling to secure a record deal, he took matters into his own hands—co-founding Roc-A-Fella Records in 1994. That independent move paved the way for the release of Reasonable Doubt in 1996, the first of many albums that would ultimately sell more than 140 million copies and earn him 25 Grammy Awards.

Music was just the beginning. Jay-Z’s business instincts were always sharp, and in 1999, he co-founded Rocawear, a streetwear brand that became a dominant force in urban fashion before selling it for $204 million. He followed that up in 2003 with the launch of the 40/40 Club, a luxury sports bar chain, and in 2008, he founded Roc Nation, now a powerhouse in entertainment and sports management. In 2015, he acquired the streaming service Aspiro, relaunching it as Tidal and positioning it as an artist-friendly alternative to major platforms.

But the biggest financial wins came from his liquor ventures. His investments in Armand de Brignac champagne—widely known as “Ace of Spades”—and D’Usse Cognac turned into major paydays. In 2021, he sold a 50% stake in Armand de Brignac to LVMH for $300 million, and in 2023, after a high-profile legal battle, he offloaded half of D’Usse to Bacardi in a deal valued at $750 million. These transactions bolstered his net worth, propelling it to $2.5 billion.

Beyond music and liquor, Jay-Z has built a strong portfolio in venture capital and private equity. He co-founded Marcy Venture Partners, a firm focused on consumer brands and technology startups, which recently merged with Pendulum Holdings to form MarcyPen Capital Partners—now managing over $1 billion in assets.

He has also invested in high-profile companies like Uber, Savage X Fenty, and Oatly. Even after selling his stake in the Brooklyn Nets, his influence in sports remains strong through Roc Nation Sports, which represents top athletes across multiple leagues. Jay-Z’s business empire is a testament to his ability to see value where others don’t and to turn opportunities into generational wealth. Today, at 55, he remains one of the wealthiest Black billionaires in the world, ranked No. 1,380 on Forbes’ Billionaires list.

Billionaires.Africa takes a deep dive into the 25 companies that built Jay-Z’s $2.5 billion fortune, showcasing the investments, acquisitions, and partnerships that solidified his place among the world’s most influential business figures.

Roc-A-Fella Records

This one needs no introduction. After being turned down by record labels across New York—largely due to his age—Jay-Z took matters into his own hands. In 1995, he co-founded Roc-A-Fella Records alongside Damon Dash and Kareem “Biggs” Burke. The label’s first release, Reasonable Doubt, became a classic and set the stage for Jay-Z’s rise. Over the years, Roc-A-Fella signed major artists, including Kanye West, making it one of the most influential labels in hip-hop. Despite its success, tensions between Jay-Z and Dash led to the label’s decline in the late 2000s. By 2013, Roc-A-Fella had effectively ceased operations, with Magna Carta Holy Grail being its last major release. While the label no longer exists, its impact is undeniable. It was Jay-Z’s first major business move, and he used its success as a launchpad for the empire he would go on to build.

Rocawear

In 1999, Jay-Z expanded into fashion, co-founding Rocawear with Damon Dash and Kareem “Biggs” Burke. The brand became a dominant force in streetwear, influencing trends and defining hip-hop fashion in the early 2000s. At its peak, Rocawear was generating hundreds of millions in annual revenue. In 2007, Jay-Z sold the rights to the brand to Iconix Brand Group for $204 million but remained involved in its creative direction. In 2019, he reacquired key intellectual property assets, ensuring Rocawear remained part of his legacy. Today, the brand continues to reflect hip-hop culture, solidifying Jay-Z’s influence beyond music.

Shawn Carter Foundation

Beyond business, Jay-Z has made a lasting impact through philanthropy. In 2002, he founded the Shawn Carter Foundation to help individuals facing financial hardships pursue higher education. Over the years, the foundation has provided scholarships to thousands of students, with Shawn Carter Scholars studying at over 100 institutions nationwide.

40/40 Club

Jay-Z stepped into the hospitality industry in 2003, launching the 40/40 Club, a high-end sports bar in New York City, with his business partner Juan Perez. Known for its upscale decor and sports memorabilia, the club has also hosted exclusive music events featuring artists like Lil Uzi Vert—and, of course, Jay-Z himself. Initially, Jay-Z had ambitions to expand the 40/40 Club internationally, with planned locations in Tokyo and Singapore. While those plans never materialized, the New York club remains a staple, showcasing his ability to blend sports, entertainment, and business.

The Brooklyn Nets

Jay-Z’s involvement with the Brooklyn Nets is one of the most significant chapters in his business career. In 2003, he purchased a minority stake in the then-New Jersey Nets for a reported $1 million. More than just an investor, he played a major role in the team’s relocation to Brooklyn, designing its black-and-white branding and helping secure the Barclays Center as its new home. In 2012, he inaugurated the arena with a sold-out concert series, cementing his influence on both sports and culture. However, NBA regulations forced him to sell his stake in 2013 as he expanded into sports management. He sold his shares for $350,000 to singer, rapper, and entrepreneur Will Pan, who became the first American of Taiwanese descent to own a U.S. professional sports franchise.

Roc Nation

In 2008, Jay-Z and Jay Brown founded Roc Nation, an all-encompassing entertainment company. Over the years, Roc Nation has grown into a powerhouse, managing top-tier artists like Rihanna, J. Cole, and Megan Thee Stallion while representing elite athletes like LaMelo Ball and Kevin De Bruyne. In 2013, Roc Nation expanded into sports management, launching Roc Nation Sports. To avoid conflicts of interest, Jay-Z sold his Brooklyn Nets stake and shifted his focus to securing major contracts for athletes across the NBA, NFL, and global soccer leagues. Beyond artist and athlete management, Roc Nation has made strategic acquisitions, such as purchasing Brazilian soccer agency TFM in 2023. The company has also leveraged high-profile partnerships, including a collaboration with Versace in 2024. That same year, Roc Nation extended its partnership with the NFL, ensuring it remains the league’s live music entertainment strategist—continuing its role in producing the Super Bowl halftime show.

Uber

Jay-Z isn’t just about building brands—he also has an eye for smart investments. In 2011, he bought a $2 million stake in Uber, long before the company became a tech giant. His early investment proved lucrative, as that stake is now valued at over $70 million. Uber is just one of the many examples of Jay-Z’s sharp instincts when it comes to backing innovative businesses.

D’Ussé Cognac

In 2012, Jay-Z partnered with Bacardi to launch D’Ussé Cognac, aiming to bring a fresh take to the spirits industry. The brand quickly became a major player, with Jay-Z leading its creative direction. However, his relationship with Bacardi took a turn in 2022 when he sought to sell his 50 percent stake. Bacardi initially offered $500 million, but Jay-Z argued that his share was worth closer to $1.5 billion. The dispute led to a legal battle over financial transparency, eventually ending in February 2023 with a $750 million settlement. While Jay-Z remains a minority shareholder, the legal battle underscored his business acumen and unwillingness to accept anything less than what he believes he’s worth.

JetSmarter

Jay-Z was also an early backer of JetSmarter, a private jet booking platform founded in 2012. Marketed as the “Uber for private jets,” JetSmarter aimed to disrupt luxury air travel with an app-based model. In 2019, it was acquired by Vista Global Holding and merged with XOJET to form XO, a leading private aviation marketplace. Jay-Z’s investment in JetSmarter highlighted his keen eye for emerging tech trends.

Roc Nation Sports

Founded in 2013, Roc Nation Sports was Jay-Z’s way of redefining athlete representation. The agency made an immediate impact by signing MLB star Robinson Canó, followed by a roster of elite athletes, including LaMelo Ball, Saquon Barkley, Kevin De Bruyne, and Romelu Lukaku. Beyond contract negotiations, Roc Nation Sports offers branding, marketing, and media opportunities, helping athletes build their careers off the field. Expanding its global reach, the agency launched Roc Nation Sports International and acquired Brazil’s TFM Agency, bringing in talents like Vinicius Junior and Gabriel Martinelli.

Barclays Center

Jay-Z’s connection to the Barclays Center goes hand in hand with his role in relocating the Brooklyn Nets. After securing the team’s move to Brooklyn, he held a stake in the arena itself. However, in September 2013, following the sale of his Nets shares, he also sold his Barclays Center stake for $1.5 million. Even without ownership, his influence on the arena remains undeniable—his 2012 opening concert series set the tone for Barclays Center as a premier venue for sports and entertainment.

Armand de Brignac

Armand de Brignac, famously known as “Ace of Spades,” is a standout brand in Jay-Z’s luxury beverage portfolio and a leading name in the premium champagne market. Its rise began in 2006 when Jay-Z showcased the brand in his Show Me What You Got music video, a move that followed his public split with Cristal Champagne. Produced by the historic Cattier family in France’s Montagne de Reims region, Armand de Brignac quickly became a symbol of status and craftsmanship, known for its signature gold bottles and meticulous production process. Jay-Z took full ownership of the brand in 2014, positioning it as a champagne of choice for elite clientele and high-profile celebrations. The portfolio includes the flagship Brut Gold, Rosé, Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs, and Demi Sec, each crafted for luxury connoisseurs. In 2021, he struck a landmark deal, selling a 50 percent stake to Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits arm of LVMH, for $640 million. This move not only reinforced the brand’s global reach through LVMH’s distribution network but also highlighted Jay-Z’s ability to turn luxury branding into a billion-dollar business. Today, Ace of Spades remains a hallmark of opulence, celebration, and entrepreneurial excellence.

Tidal

In 2015, Jay-Z expanded his business empire into the music streaming industry with the acquisition of Tidal, a platform designed to offer high-fidelity audio and fair compensation for artists. Under his leadership, Tidal distinguished itself with exclusive content and lossless sound quality, positioning itself as a premium alternative to streaming giants. Despite tough competition, Tidal remained a major player in digital music consumption and artist empowerment. In 2021, Jay-Z sold a majority stake to financial services company Square (now Block) for $297 million, securing his seat on its board. The deal reflected his ability to transform businesses while advocating for artists’ rights in the evolving music industry.

MarcyPen Capital Partners

Jay-Z’s investment ambitions took shape in 2018 with the launch of Marcy Venture Partners, a firm he co-founded with Jay Brown and Larry Marcus to back culturally influential and innovative businesses. The firm quickly built an impressive portfolio, supporting companies like Savage x Fenty, Spatial Labs, and Partake Foods, with a strong focus on diverse, often Black-owned, enterprises. In December 2024, Marcy Venture Partners merged with Pendulum Holdings’ investment arm to form MarcyPen Capital Partners, a major force in venture capital. With over $1 billion in assets under management, the firm sits at the intersection of culture, technology, and consumer brands. By blending Marcy Venture’s expertise in cultural capital with Pendulum’s commitment to funding diverse entrepreneurs, MarcyPen is redefining venture capital with a focus on high-growth sectors like fintech, digital innovation, and consumer lifestyle brands.

Monogram

Jay-Z’s influence extends into the cannabis industry with Monogram, a luxury cannabis brand launched in 2019 in partnership with California-based Caliva. As Chief Brand Strategist, Jay-Z shaped Monogram’s image, ensuring that its premium hand-rolled cigars and pre-rolled joints set a new standard in the market. Beyond its luxury appeal, Monogram serves a deeper purpose—advocating for social justice and economic opportunities for communities disproportionately affected by cannabis-related convictions. The brand merges artistry, advocacy, and exclusivity, cementing Jay-Z’s role in reshaping the cannabis landscape.

Finnish Long Drink

Jay-Z’s MarcyPen Capital Partners has also played a major role in the rise of Finnish Long Drink, a ready-to-drink (RTD) beverage known for its crisp, citrus-infused taste and signature baby blue cans. Since 2019, the brand has expanded to 43 U.S. states and Western Canada, with case sales skyrocketing from 33,000 to 1.8 million last year. MarcyPen has invested over $41 million to scale retail presence and marketing. Despite selling 100 million cans in 2023, 98 percent of Americans remain unaware of the brand—something MarcyPen is aggressively working to change. With an expanding distribution network, Finnish Long Drink is solidifying itself as a major player in the RTD market.

Savage x Fenty

Jay-Z’s involvement in Savage x Fenty, Rihanna’s lingerie brand, began in 2019 when Marcy Venture Partners helped secure its initial $50 million investment. While Jay-Z’s exact stake remains undisclosed, Rihanna owns an estimated 28 percent of the company, which raised another $125 million in early 2022. His early backing helped position Savage x Fenty as a dominant force in the fashion industry.

Partake Foods

In 2021, Partake Foods, a Black-owned, allergy-friendly food brand founded by former Coca-Cola sales director Denise Woodard, received a $1 million investment from Jay-Z’s Marcy Venture Partners as part of a $4.8 million funding round. The brand specializes in dairy-free, non-GMO, nut-free, and soy-free snacks, offering products like sprouted grain chocolate mini cookies and sweet potato millet mini cookies. Jay-Z’s backing has helped Partake expand its retail footprint and cater to a growing market of health-conscious consumers.

Bitski

Jay-Z has also stepped into the world of cryptocurrency and NFTs. In May 2021, he and tennis star Serena Williams invested in Bitski, a blockchain-based NFT marketplace often called “the Shopify of NFTs.” The company raised $19 million in a Series A funding round led by venture capital giant Andreessen Horowitz, with Jay-Z’s Marcy Venture Partners among the key investors. The move positioned Jay-Z at the forefront of the growing NFT space.

Spatial Labs

In October 2021, Marcy Venture Partners expanded its blockchain investments by teaming up with Spatial Labs (sLABS), a tech incubator focused on the metaverse and blockchain-based products. Founded by 24-year-old technologist Iddris Sandu, Spatial Labs has been pushing the boundaries of digital innovation. “Jay-Z has always been at the forefront of cultural evolution,” Sandu noted at the time. The partnership was part of a $19 million investment backed by Roc Nation’s Jay Brown, Troy Carter, and Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel.

Block (formerly Square)

Jay-Z’s foray into the tech industry includes a lucrative stake in Block (formerly Square), the digital payment company founded by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey. His investment paid off in 2021 when he sold a majority stake in Tidal to Block, receiving $297 million in cash and stock. Today, Block has a market capitalization of $57.6 billion, further proving Jay-Z’s knack for identifying profitable opportunities in the tech space.

Other companies backed by Jay-Z

Julep Cosmetics

In 2013, Jay-Z, through Roc Nation, invested in Julep Cosmetics, a beauty brand known for its high-quality, innovative products. The move was part of his broader strategy to support forward-thinking consumer brands.

Away Travel

Jay-Z added to his investment portfolio in 2017 with a stake in Away Travel, a luggage brand that redefined modern travel. Known for its sleek, functional designs and built-in charging features, Away quickly became a favorite among travelers.

Arrive Ventures

That same year, he launched Arrive Ventures, Roc Nation’s venture capital arm. The platform focuses on funding and mentoring startups, particularly in tech and consumer goods, reinforcing Jay-Z’s growing presence in the investment world.

Oatly

Jay-Z is also an investor in Oatly, the Swedish brand known for oat milk and other plant-based products. In 2020, he joined a group of celebrity backers—including Oprah Winfrey and Natalie Portman—to invest $200 million in the company, which was valued at around $2 billion at the time.

Crédito: Link de origem