Hollywood Angels: The Celebrity Investors Changing The Tech Startup Landscape

Big money can be made in tech startups and this has created a whole new kind of angel investor in Silicon Valley – the "Hollywood Angels." Musicians, actors, and athletes are tripping over each other to invest in startups in hopes of hitting it big. This trend has transformed the investment landscape, with celebrities like Ashton Kutcher making headlines for early bets on companies like Spotify and Uber. Moreover, Jay-Z credits his tech investments as a significant factor in his billion-dollar net worth, which reflects the lucrative potential of these ventures.

As the tech scene continues to grow, celebrities such as Jay-Z, Serena Williams, and Katy Perry are not just putting their money where their mouth is; they are actively shaping industries by backing innovative companies like Impossible Foods, which boasts a multi-billion dollar valuation. In this article, we will explore 11 celebrities who have made significant strides in tech investments, showcasing their funding rounds and notable contributions to the startup ecosystem.

We'll dive deep into the world of "Hollywood Angels," examining how they leverage their influence and resources to foster innovation. From Jay-Z's Marcy Venture Partners to Ashton Kutcher's A-Grade Investments, this article highlights the savvy investments that have not only enriched these celebrities but also propelled numerous startups to success.

Table of Contents

• Jay-Z
• Bono
• Snoop Dogg
• Will Smith
• Ryan Howard
• Jared Leto
• Serena Williams
• Carmelo Anthony
• Joe Montana
• Nas
• Ashton Kutcher

Jay-Z

Jay-Z has made a name for himself not just in music but also in the tech investment world. With his fund, Marcy Venture Partners, he has made notable investments including Uber and Impossible Foods. In 2011, he invested in Uber during its Series B round before establishing his own fund.

In 2019, Jay-Z participated in a $300 million fundraising round for Impossible Foods, showcasing his commitment to innovative solutions in the food industry. His ability to identify potential winners has made him one of the leading celebrity investors in Silicon Valley.

Bono

Bono, the famous lead singer of U2, is not just known for his music but also for his investment prowess. He founded the private equity firm Elevation Partners in 2004 and has made significant investments in tech companies, notably Facebook and Seamless Toy Company.

His early investment in Facebook has led to rumors that he is a billionaire. Bono has also made personal investments, including Vamo, an event discovery platform that was later acquired by Airbnb. His business acumen extends beyond music into the tech realm.

Snoop Dogg

Snoop Dogg is another celebrity who has embraced the tech investment landscape. Through his fund, Casa Verde Capital, he has participated in 27 funding rounds, primarily in the cannabis industry, which includes companies like Reddit and Metrc.

His investments are not confined to music or entertainment, demonstrating a keen interest in emerging markets and technologies. Snoop Dogg's savvy business strategies have helped him solidify his place as a significant player among Hollywood Angels.

Will Smith

Will Smith, widely recognized for his acting career, has ventured into the investment world with Dreamers VC, a fund he co-founded with Japanese soccer star Keisuke Honda. Their focus is on health tech and virtual reality, with notable investments in Genome Medical and Sandbox.

Additionally, they have invested in Elon Musk's tunnel-digging startup, The Boring Company. Smith's commitment to these innovative sectors showcases his forward-thinking approach to investing.

Ryan Howard

MLB star Ryan Howard transitioned from professional athlete to venture capitalist after retiring from baseball. He joined SeventySix Capital as a partner, focusing on investments at the intersection of sports and technology.

Howard also chairs the fund's Athlete Venture Group, which assists pro athletes in learning how to invest and engage with sports tech startups. His background in sports provides him with unique insights into the industry.

Jared Leto

Jared Leto, the actor and musician, has made several successful startup investments with his own funds instead of through a formal venture capital company. His notable investments include Reddit, Zenefits, and HouseParty.

Leto's investment strategy focuses on identifying promising startups early on, and his track record shows that he has a good eye for potential successes in the tech sector.

Serena Williams

Serena Williams has carved a niche for herself in the investment world with her fund, Serena Ventures, which focuses on companies led by women and minorities. This approach has led her to make notable investments in MasterClass and Impossible Foods.

Williams aims to promote diversity and inclusion within the startup ecosystem while also ensuring her investments yield positive returns. Her commitment to supporting minority entrepreneurs has set her apart from other investors.

Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony founded Melo7 Tech Partners, focusing on investments in digital media and esports. His experience as a professional athlete gives him insights into the sports tech landscape, allowing him to identify unique opportunities.

Anthony's investments reflect a forward-thinking approach that combines his passion for sports with a keen interest in technology.

Joe Montana

Legendary quarterback Joe Montana is also making waves in the investment community with his fund, Liquid 2 Ventures. He has recently ventured into the cannabis industry, personally investing in dispensary Caliva's Series A funding round.

Montana's transition from sports to investing showcases how retired athletes can leverage their fame and fortune to support innovative startups actively.

Nas

Nas has been a prominent figure in the tech investment scene since 2007 with his fund, Queensbridge Venture Partners. He has invested over a billion dollars in various companies, some of which have had significant success, including Ring and PillPack, both of which were acquired by Amazon.

His deep involvement in the tech industry demonstrates his commitment to fostering innovation and supports his reputation as a savvy investor.

Ashton Kutcher

Ashton Kutcher is perhaps one of the most recognized celebrity investors, with his funds A-Grade Investments and Sound Ventures. He has made notable investments in Airbnb, Uber, and Casper mattresses, pouring over $3 billion into various startups over the last decade.

Kutcher's early investments in companies like Uber and Airbnb have significantly contributed to his reputation as a pioneering angel investor in the tech space.