Nextbite announced that producer and tech entrepreneur will.i.am joined the company as advisor focused on brand building and marketing strategies for its delivery-only restaurant concepts.
In a press release announcing the news, Nextbite said the music producer and Black Eyed Peas frontman’s music career necessitates ordering delivery on the road and while in-studio, adding that he was often frustrated by the lack of flavorful and nutritious meals available for delivery. As a proponent for healthy living, will.i.am decided to partner with the LA-based company to help it bring a new range of diverse options to diners across the country.
Related to his new role with Nextbite, will.i.am is a strict vegan and an advocate for the benefits of a plant-based diet and maintaining an active lifestyle which aligns well with Nextbite’s growing virtual concept menus that include vegan, Mediterranean and Asian options.
“Nextbite has the right combination of technology and varied menu choices that are key to redefining the digital restaurant industry,” said will.i.am, now formally Entertainment Industry Partnership Advisor at Nextbite. “While on tour and making music in-studio, I’ve eaten a lot of lukewarm, unhealthy delivered meals. The time is right for innovation in quality menus and delivery options.”
“A key ingredient in Nextbite’s growth and momentum is thanks to the expert guidance of advisors, and will.i.am brings keen futurist insights and connections into the evolving music and entertainment segment,” said Nextbite co-founder and CEO Alex Canter.
The performer’s work for Nextbite is only his latest business initiative, which includes Beats Electronics where he became a founding equity stakeholder. After Beats was purchased by Apple in 2014 for $3 billion, he continued to launch a range of companies focused on software incorporating AI, natural language understanding, voice computing, creativity & productivity, and customer-service functionality, as well as creating consumer-tech gear and apparel.
