Hennessy Honors ABC Guest Shark With Annual V.S.O.P Privilege Award

Hennessy, Troy Carter + WeWork Introduce Collaboration to Invest in the Next Generation of Entrepreneurship

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Oct 15, 2015, 08:00 ET

NEW YORK, Oct. 15, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Hennessy announces investor, manager, and entrepreneur, Troy Carter as this year's recipient of the prestigious V.S.O.P Privilege Award, awarded to him for his trailblazing and philanthropic efforts in redefining entrepreneurialism and mentorship. For twelve years, Hennessy's V.S.O.P Privilege Awards program has recognized individuals who have, through determination and talent, achieved unparalleled levels of accomplishment and used their success to give back to others in their community.

Investor, entrepreneur and manager Troy Carter accepts the 12th annual Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège Award on October 8, 2015 at WeWork Bryant Park in New York City. Hennessy recognized Mr. Carter for his efforts in redefining entrepreneurship before announcing the Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège Lab, a partnership with WeWork that will provide an emerging business with a year's worth of mentorship, community and free office space. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Invision for Hennessy/AP Images)

An early investor in break-out start-ups, including Uber, Spotify, Dropbox, Warby Parker and Lyft, Mr. Carter currently serves as Founder and CEO of Atom Factory, where he manages the careers of artists including Meghan Trainor, Charlie Puth, and Bonnie McKee. His startup accelerator, SMASHD Labs, was launched in September with a commitment to invest $50,000 in each of 5-7 qualifying companies, pairing them with brand partners and mentors to accelerate growth. Mr. Carter also will make his debut as "Guest Shark" this month on ABC's SHARK TANK, the critically-acclaimed and Emmy-winning reality show that has reinvigorated entrepreneurship in America.

"Hennessy champions the values forged since the brand's inception 250 years ago: a spirit of entrepreneurialism, a commitment to heritage and the belief that the mastery of tomorrow is built on success earned today," said Rodney Williams, Executive Vice President, Spirits, Moet Hennessy USA. "Carter's business acumen and community involvement complement the intention behind the Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilege Awards, which is to spotlight individuals who use their expertise and achievements to benefit others. In this case, it is a springboard for developing the next generation of entrepreneurs."

On the occasion of Hennessy's 250^th anniversary, the world's number one Cognac introduces a new era of the V.S.O.P Privilege Award that gives a budding entrepreneur access to the Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilege Lab: a place to chase their passions without the burden of rent. In collaboration with WeWork – the leading provider of shared workspace, community, and service for startups and small businesses – Hennessy will provide an emerging business with a year's worth of invaluable mentorship and office space in New York City.

"I'm honored for Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilege to recognize me for entrepreneurship," said Carter. "Growing up in West Philly, it's easy to feel disconnected from the American Dream; my goal is to use my privilege to provide access, inspiration and resources to others to ensure they're not left behind or forgotten about. Hennessy's 'Never stop. Never settle.' mantra rings true in my life and I'm proud to accept this award."

The Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilege Lab, along with a full-time WeWork membership, will be awarded to one individual, for one calendar year, to help this winning visionary continue pushing past boundaries. Over the course of 2016, the winner will receive mentorship support and guidance from influential business leaders, including Troy Carter and executives from both Hennessy and WeWork.

"An ecosystem of startups, small businesses and freelancers, WeWork uses community to fuel entrepreneurship with the understanding that success is not just financial," says Alan Philips, Senior Vice President of Brand Experience at WeWork. "Our partnership with Hennessy – which will afford not only physical office space in the V.S.O.P Privilege Lab, but priceless collaboration and access - is rooted in a shared vision of tomorrow's entrepreneurs."

Individuals may apply for the chance to conduct business in the Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilege Lab by visiting Hennessy.Create.It beginning October 15 until November 19, 2015.

About Hennessy

In 2015, the Maison Hennessy celebrates 250 years of an exceptional adventure that has linked the Hennessy and Fillioux families for seven generations and spanned five continents. It began in the French region of Cognac, the seat from which the Maison has constantly passed down the best the land has to give, from one generation to the next. Such longevity is thanks to those people, past and present, who have ensured Hennessy's success both locally and around the world. Hennessy's success and longevity are also the result of the values the Maison has upheld since its creation: unique savoir-faire, a constant quest for innovation, and an unwavering commitment to Creation, Excellence, Legacy, and Sustainable Development. Today, these qualities are the hallmark of a Maison – a crown jewel in the LVMH Group – that crafts the most iconic, prestigious Cognacs.

Hennessy is imported and distributed in the U.S. by Moet Hennessy USA. Hennessy distills, ages and blends spanning a full range: Hennessy V.S, Hennessy Black, V.S.O.P Privilege, X.O, Paradis, Paradis Imperial and Richard Hennessy. For the most up to date information on the anniversary please visit http://www.Hennessy.com/us/250/.

About Troy Carter

A 20-year seasoned veteran in entertainment, Troy Carter is a pioneer for entrepreneurs, investors and managers. Founding Atom Factory in 2010, the Los Angeles company has roots in music, media and technology, employing a staff of 30 individuals. Troy feeds his passion for culture and technology through his Cross Culture fund with 80+ investments in early stage startups – including Spotify, DropBox, Uber, Warby Parker, and Lyft. In 2015, Troy launched Smashd.co, a digital platform to inspire Millennials, entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts by amplifying the art of hustle. Through Atom Factory, Troy currently manages the careers of artists including Meghan Trainor and Charlie Pruth, to name a few.

About WeWork

WeWork is a leading provider of shared workspace, community, and services for entrepreneurs, freelancers, startups and small businesses:

Shared Workspace: Beautiful, collaborative, physical spaces in 54 locations in 16 cities, four countries
Community: The WeWork community is now more than 30,000 members who collaborate both online (through digital app and virtual network) and offline (through physical spaces and events)
Services: Access to healthcare, IT support, payment processing, payroll, legal and much more

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151014/277014
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151014/277035LOGO

SOURCE Hennessy