NEWS AFFAIRS 7 : WHERE EVERY STORY HAS IT'S AFFAIR!
Hollywood Stars Investment Fortune
1. Rihanna
The musician made her more than a billion fortune through music and investing in right things. She launched her Fenty Beauty line in 2017 , was a game-changer in the cosmetics industry. Fenty Beauty line was a skin care product , targeting all skin tones and quickly become a successful brand. Reportedly made over $100 million in sales within its first 40 days. In addition to Fenty Beauty, Rihanna also launched Savage X Fenty, a lingerie line that has been equally successful. She is currently the wealthiest female musician in the world, with a net worth exceeding $1.7 billion.
2. Jay-Z
Jay-Z a master of the music industry, has invested in a wide range of businesses, from clothing lines to tech companies, making him one of the richest musicians in the world. He invested in the streaming service Tidal, which he acquired in 2015 for $56 million but he sold a majority stake to Square, Inc. for $297 million in 2021.
Jay-Z’s also invested in Uber, the champagne brand Armand de Brignac, and the cognac brand D’Ussé. These ventures have contributed to Jay-Z’s estimated net worth of over $1.4 billion.
Learn More About: What is a 401(k) Plan and How Does It Work?
3. Oprah Winfrey
Oprah known for her talk show, media empire, and philanthropic efforts knows how to make her money work for her. One of Oprah’s best investments was in Weight Watchers (now known as WW).
In 2015, Oprah bought a 10% stake in the company and joined its board of directors. Her involvement gave the brand a much-needed boost, and the stock price soared. Oprah’s initial investment of $43.2 million grew to over $400 million, proving once again that when Oprah touches something, it turns to gold.
4. Lebron James
LeBron James one of the greatest basketball players of all time has made a series of smart investments that have significantly increased his wealth.
In 2012, LeBron invested $1 million in Blaze Pizza, a fast-casual pizza chain. Today, Blaze Pizza is one of the fastest-growing food chains in the United States, and LeBron’s stake is now worth over $35 million. Additionally, LeBron is a co-owner of the production company SpringHill Entertainment and has investments in Liverpool FC and the Fenway Sports Group. These ventures have contributed to LeBron’s net worth, which is estimated to be over $1 billion.
5. Gwyneth Paltrow
Actress Gwyneth Paltrow, has invested in Goop. Founded in 2008 as a weekly newsletter, Goop has since evolved into a full-fledged wellness empire, offering everything from skincare products to wellness retreats.
While Goop has been the subject of controversy for some of its more unconventional products, there’s no denying its financial success. The company was valued at $250 million in 2018, and Paltrow’s stake in the business has made her one of the wealthiest actresses in Hollywood.
6. Nas
Rapper Nas has made a name for himself in the tech world, investing in a range of successful startups through his venture capital firm, QueensBridge Venture Partners.
One of Nas’s most notable investments was in the doorbell camera company Ring, which was acquired by Amazon for $1 billion in 2018. He also invested in Lyft, Dropbox, and Coinbase, all of which have seen significant growth. Nas’s tech investments have added millions to his net worth, proving that he’s not just a lyrical genius but also a financial one.
7. Serena Williams
Tennis star Serena Williams has made a series of strategic investments through her venture capital firm, Serena Ventures, which focuses on companies founded by women and people of color.
One of Williams’ most successful investments was in the meal delivery service Daily Harvest, which has grown rapidly in recent years. She also invested in the fintech company Propel, which helps low-income Americans manage their government benefits. Williams’ investments have not only been profitable but also align with her commitment to social impact, making her a role model both on and off the court.
8. Will Smith
Will Smith and his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, have invested in a variety of ventures, from real estate to tech startups.
One of Smith’s most notable investments is in the esports organization Gen.G, which has become one of the leading teams in the world. He also invested in the ride-sharing company Lyft and the online shopping platform Fancy. Smith’s investments have helped him build a net worth of over $350 million, proving that he’s not just the Fresh Prince—he’s also the King of smart investments
9. Robert Downey Jr.
Downey has invested in a number of green tech companies through his venture fund, FootPrint Coalition Ventures.
One of Downey’s most notable investments is in the agricultural tech company, Pivot Bio, which focuses on creating sustainable solutions for farming. He has also invested in RWDC Industries, a company that develops biodegradable plastics. Downey’s commitment to sustainability is not just good for the planet—it’s also proving to be a smart financial move.
10. Ellen DeGeneres
Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi, have made millions by buying and selling luxury homes in California. One of her most notable sales was a Beverly Hills mansion that she purchased for $40 million and sold a few years later for $55 million. Ellen’s keen eye for real estate has turned her hobby into a lucrative side business, adding significantly to her already impressive net worth.
11. Shaquille O’Neal
Basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal, has invested in everything from tech companies to fast food franchises. His most successful investments was in Google. He bought shares in the company before it went public, and we all know how that turned out. He also invested in various restaurant chains, including Five Guys, Auntie Anne’s, and Krispy Kreme. Shaq’s business acumen extends to his role as an investor in the NBA’s Sacramento Kings and his involvement in esports, proving that his success is as big as his personality.
12. Madonna
Madonna, the Queen of Pop, has made several smart business moves that have paid off over the years. Her investments in Vita Coco, a coconut water brand that has become incredibly popular. She has also invested in real estate, owning properties around the world, including a mansion in Portugal. Madonna’s diversified investment portfolio ensures that she remains a financial powerhouse.
13. Aston Martin
Craig invested in Aston Martin, the luxury car brand synonymous with his on-screen persona. In 2019, he became an ambassador for the company and even bought shares when Aston Martin went public. It’s a strategic move that not only ties his personal brand to Aston Martin but also positions him for potential financial gains in the future.
14. Jared Leto
Jared Leto was an early investor in Nest, the smart home device company that was later acquired by Google for $3.2 billion. He also invested in the music streaming service Spotify, which has grown into one of the biggest players in the industry. He also put money into startups like Reddit, Uber, and Airbnb. His ability to spot promising tech companies has added millions to his fortune, making him one of the most successful celebrity investors in the tech world.
15. David Beckham
David Beckham is one of the wealthiest athletes in the world.
One of Beckham’s most successful ventures is his stake in the whiskey brand Haig Club, which he co-owns with Diageo. The brand has become popular worldwide, and Beckham’s involvement has undoubtedly helped its success. In addition to Haig Club, Beckham also co-owns the Major League Soccer team Inter Miami CF.
16. Beyoncé
Beyoncé, most notable investments is in the streaming service Tidal, which she co-owns with her husband, Jay-Z, and other artists. She also invested in the plant-based company Oatly, which went public in 2021 with a valuation of $10 billion. Beyoncé also invested in real estate and other ventures, ensuring that her wealth continues to grow alongside her legendary career.
17. Leonardo DiCaprio
Leonardo DiCaprio most successful investments is in Beyond Meat, the plant-based meat company that has taken the food industry by storm. Beyond Meat went public in 2019, and its stock price soared, making DiCaprio’s investment highly profitable. He’s also invested in sustainable startups like Rubicon Global, a waste management company, and Runa, an organic beverage brand. DiCaprio’s investments not only benefit the planet but also his bank account, proving that you can do well by doing good.
18. Ashton Kutcher
Ashton Kutcher is a tech-savvy investor who has made some incredibly smart moves in Silicon Valley. His investment portfolio reads like a who’s who of successful startups.
In 2009, Kutcher invested in Skype, which was later sold to Microsoft for a whopping $8.5 billion. He also got in early with Airbnb, a company now valued at over $100 billion. Other notable investments include Spotify, Uber, and Warby Parker. Kutcher’s venture capital firm, A-Grade Investments, turned a $30 million fund into $250 million in just a few years.
19. Jessica Alba
Jessica Alba went from being a Hollywood starlet to a business mogul with her investment in The Honest Company, which she co-founded in 2011. The company started as a small, eco-friendly baby products brand but quickly expanded into a full-blown lifestyle empire, offering everything from cleaning supplies to beauty products.
Alba’s investment paid off big time when The Honest Company went public in 2021, with a valuation of over $2 billion. As one of the company’s largest shareholders, Alba’s net worth skyrocketed, proving that her business instincts are just as sharp as her acting skills.
20. George Clooney
In 2013, George Clooney co-founded Casamigos Tequila with his friends Rande Gerber and Mike Meldman. What started as a small, personal project quickly grew into one of the most popular tequila brands in the world.
In 2017, the trio sold Casamigos to Diageo for a staggering $1 billion. Clooney’s share of the profits was substantial, solidifying his status as one of Hollywood’s wealthiest stars.
Conclusion
These stories of celebrity investments show that fame and fortune can go hand in hand with smart financial decisions. From tech startups to real estate, these celebrities have diversified their portfolios and made strategic moves that have significantly increased their wealth. Whether it’s Ashton Kutcher’s tech investments, Rihanna’s beauty empire, or George Clooney’s tequila brand, these stars have proven that they’re not just talented entertainers—they’re also savvy businesspeople who know how to make their money work for them.
Investing in the right brands at the right time has allowed these celebrities to grow their fortunes and secure their financial futures. Their stories serve as inspiration for anyone looking to make smart financial decisions, proving that with a little knowledge and a lot of determination, you can turn your money into millions—just like the stars do.
Learn More about :