Matt James

TV personality, entrepreneur, crypto economy advocate, and activist Matt James is known for his historic role as the first Black male lead on ABC’s "The Bachelor," which elevated him to a prominent position to initiate meaningful dialogues around racial justice and social change. In addition to pioneering in television, James co-founded "ABC Food Tours," an organization that provides educational experiences to students from low-income families, addressing food insecurity and adversity at home. As a minority owner, ambassador, and shareholder in "Lettuce Grow," a hydroponic farming company, he uses his platform of over 1M followers to promote food justice and human rights.

Furthermore, James is a significant figure in the crypto economy, engaging deeply in cryptocurrency, blockchain, and NFTs. He is a co-founder of "Encrypted Energy," a cryptocurrency mining company that utilizes clean energy to mine bitcoin. His involvement extends to being a member of Crypto for Black Economic Empowerment and a supporter of various NFT movements that notably spotlight artists of color and female creators. His commitment to education is evident through his partnerships with crypto marketplace BlockFi and Gemini to develop financial literacy curricula tailored for women and communities of color. Additionally, James advises digital media companies on emerging technologies such as the Metaverse and Web3.

James's influence also extends to philanthropy and advocacy, where he supports organizations such as the Lebron James Family Foundation, Hack the Hood, and the Getting Out and Staying Out Foundation. He consistently shares his insights and experiences, contributing to a broader understanding of racial inclusivity and equity. His memoir "First Impressions: Off Screen Conversations with a Bachelor on Race, Family, and Forgiveness" provides a deeper look into his experiences and thoughts, enhancing his role as an advocate for social change.