Tristan Walker, born on July 5, 1984, in Queens, New York, is an American entrepreneur best known for founding Walker & Company, a health and beauty company dedicated to creating grooming products for men of color. His flagship brand, Bevel, addressed a long-ignored need in the market: skincare and shaving solutions designed specifically for Black men. By identifying this gap, Walker transformed a simple idea into an integrated company that redefined personal care for underrepresented consumers.
Identifying an unmet need
Walker realized that there was a clear lack of products in the grooming industry tailored to the needs of Black men. Razor bumps, skin irritation, and the absence of inclusive beauty standards made everyday care a challenge for many. With Bevel, he introduced a shaving system specifically designed to prevent irritation and ingrown hairs, positioning his company as a pioneer in inclusive grooming. What started as a niche product soon grew into a wider range of offerings that reached a global audience.
Early life and career path
Raised in the Bronx by his mother, Tristan Walker pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Stony Brook University, graduating in 2005. He later completed an MBA at Stanford University, where his entrepreneurial vision began to take shape.
Before launching his own venture, Walker gained experience at leading companies. He worked as an operator at Lehman Brothers and later at JP Morgan. His career also took him into the tech world, with roles at Foursquare and internships at Twitter (now X) and the Boston Consulting Group. These roles, ranging from analyst to director of business development, gave him both the skills and the network to eventually branch out on his own.
The rise of Walker & Company
Founded in 2013, Walker & Company quickly gained traction. Just two years after launching, Walker was recognized by USA Today as one of the people of the year in 2014 and was also listed in Creativity 50 as one of the most creative individuals of the time. His success represented a milestone in business representation for the African American community.
By 2015, the company had attracted celebrity clients such as Magic Johnson and had established itself as a strong player in Silicon Valley. That year alone, it raised more than $30 million in funding. TechCrunch described Walker as one of the most important entrepreneurs of the moment and named him among the “Founders of the Year.” Major media outlets highlighted his company as “built for the future demographic” and “a radical startup.”
Procter & Gamble acquisition
In 2018, consumer goods giant Procter & Gamble acquired Walker & Company for an undisclosed amount. Despite the acquisition, Walker remained CEO of the company, ensuring that his mission and vision remained intact under the umbrella of a global powerhouse present in over 160 countries.
Walker’s personal fortune has been estimated at around $300 million, but beyond financial success, his impact has been defined by his innovation, leadership, and commitment to empowering communities of color. In 2017, he expanded into women’s products, reinforcing his dedication to inclusivity and widening the reach of his brand.
Legacy of innovation and leadership
Tristan Walker’s story is one of self-made success. Without inheriting a business or family wealth, he relied on education, perseverance, and vision to disrupt an industry that had largely overlooked the needs of Black consumers. Today, Walker & Company stands as a symbol of creativity, representation, and entrepreneurial excellence.
As one of the first African American entrepreneurs to be consistently recognized in prestigious business rankings, Walker has redefined what leadership in beauty and tech can look like. From a simple idea addressing men’s skincare to a comprehensive personal care company, his journey embodies resilience, authenticity, and a forward-thinking vision that continues to inspire future generations of innovators.