Top 10 Celebrity Startup Investors in Europe (2026)

For startups, celebrity investors can offer more than money. They can help businesses reach new customers, build brand awareness, and connect with other investors. However, fame alone does not guarantee business success.

In this article, we look at 10 well-known celebrities connected with European startups, the businesses they have supported, and the industries attracting their attention. This is a selected list rather than a ranking based on investment amounts.

Top 10 Celebrity Startup Investors in Europe

1. Kylian Mbappé — Alan, France

Industry: Healthtech and digital healthcare

French football star Kylian Mbappé has expanded his interests beyond football through his investment company, Coalition Capital. In 2026, he became an investor and ambassador for Alan a French digital health insurance company.

Alan helps customers manage health insurance and access healthcare services through digital tools. The company operates in a growing market where people want easier ways to manage their health.

Mbappé's involvement shows how professional athletes can use their business interests and public profiles to support companies outside sports. The amount he invested has not been publicly disclosed.

2. Leonardo DiCaprio — SolarMente, Spain

Industry: Clean energy

Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio is known for supporting environmental causes and investing in businesses focused on sustainability.

He has been linked to SolarMente, a Barcelona-based company that offered solar energy solutions to households through a subscription model. The business aimed to make solar power more accessible by reducing the upfront cost of installation.

SolarMente entered bankruptcy proceedings in 2026, highlighting the risks involved in startup investing. DiCaprio has also been linked to Elvy, a Stockholm-based energy services company.

His investment interests show how celebrities can support businesses working on climate and energy challenges.

3. Emma Watson — FabricNano, United Kingdom

Industry: Biotechnology

British actress Emma Watson has supported businesses beyond the entertainment industry. She joined investors in FabricNano in 2021.

The London-based biotechnology startup develops technology that uses enzymes to help produce chemicals and materials. Its approach aims to make manufacturing more efficient and support alternatives to traditional production methods.

Companies working in biotechnology can take years to develop and commercialise their products. Investment helps them fund research, improve their technology, and explore commercial opportunities.

Watson's involvement reflects the interest of some celebrity investors in science and sustainability-focused businesses.

4. Pau Gasol — Luzia, Spain

Industry: Artificial intelligence

Former Spanish basketball star Pau Gasol has invested in businesses through Gasol16 Ventures. One company connected with his investment activities is Luzia, a Madrid-based AI startup.

Luzia offers an AI assistant through messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram. Users can access digital assistance without necessarily downloading a separate AI application.

AI assistants are becoming more popular because they can help people find information and complete everyday tasks.

Gasol's investment interests show how athletes can support technology startups and become involved in Europe's growing artificial intelligence sector.

5. Elton John — Audoo, United Kingdom

Industry: Music technology

British musician Elton John has invested in Audoo, a London-based music technology company.

Audoo develops technology that identifies music played in public places such as shops, restaurants, and gyms. This information can help music rights organisations improve the way royalties are tracked and paid to artists.

The company focuses on a problem within the music industry: making sure creators receive the payments they are entitled to.

Elton John's involvement demonstrates how people with experience in an industry can support startups that aim to solve problems within that same sector.

6. Ibai Llanos — Plesh, Spain

Industry: Food technology

Spanish streamer and online creator Ibai Llanos has expanded his business interests into consumer products.

In October 2026, he joined former footballer Gerard Piqué in leading a €3.75 million funding round for Plesh, a Barcelona-based startup developing chocolate snacks without added sugar.

The company operates in the food market, where consumers are increasingly interested in convenient snacks and different product options.

For online creators such as Llanos, investing in startups offers a way to explore businesses beyond content creation. Their large audiences may also help introduce new products to potential customers.

7. Snoop Dogg — Sanity Group, Germany

Industry: Healthcare and cannabis-related businesses

American rapper and entrepreneur Snoop Dogg co-founded Casa Verde Capital, an investment firm focused on cannabis-related businesses.

His investment network has been linked to Sanity Group, a Berlin-based company active in medical cannabis and consumer health.

The company operates in a specialised market shaped by healthcare needs, regulations, and changing consumer demand.

Snoop Dogg's investment activities show that celebrities can use dedicated investment firms to explore opportunities in industries outside music and entertainment.

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8. Novak Djokovic — waterdrop, Austria

Industry: Hydration and consumer wellness

Serbian tennis champion Novak Djokovic became an investor and brand ambassador for waterdrop in 2023.

The Vienna-based company makes small hydration cubes that dissolve in water. Its products are designed for people looking for convenient ways to add flavour to their drinks.

The company operates in the consumer wellness market, where fitness, hydration, and everyday health habits attract growing interest.

Djokovic's involvement connects the brand with his public image as a professional athlete. It also shows how celebrity investments can combine financial backing with brand promotion.

9. Cristiano Ronaldo — Bioniq, United Kingdom

Industry: Healthtech and personalised nutrition

Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo invested in Bioniq, a London-based company that develops personalised nutritional supplements.

The company uses health-related data, including blood biomarker information, to help create individual supplement formulations.

Personalised nutrition is attracting attention as consumers look for products that match their individual needs. However, businesses in this field must also address scientific evidence, product quality, and regulatory requirements.

Ronaldo's involvement brings attention to the company, although the exact amount of his investment has not been publicly confirmed.

10. David Beckham — Guild Esports, United Kingdom

Industry: Gaming and esports

Former England football captain David Beckham entered the esports industry through an investment in Guild Esports in 2020.

The London-based company was established to develop professional gaming teams and support competitive gaming talent. Beckham invested through his business, DB Ventures.

His involvement helped bring wider public attention to esports, an industry built around competitive video gaming and digital entertainment.

Guild Esports later faced financial difficulties, showing that even businesses backed by famous investors can struggle. Startup success depends on factors such as revenue, management and market demand, not just public recognition.

Why Do Celebrities Invest in European Startups?

Celebrity investors can offer startups several potential benefits:

• Greater visibility: Their followers can help more people discover a new company.
• Business connections: Their networks may open doors to partners and other investors.
• Industry knowledge: Some celebrities understand the markets in which they invest.
• Brand awareness: Their involvement can help a startup stand out from competitors.
• New business opportunities: Investing allows celebrities to build businesses beyond their main careers.

However, founders should look for investors who understand their business and can offer meaningful support.

Conclusion

Celebrity startup investors are helping bring attention to businesses across Europe. Their investments cover a wide range of industries, from artificial intelligence and healthcare to clean energy and gaming.

For startups, the right investor can offer more than funding. Industry knowledge, useful connections, and long-term support can be equally valuable. Ultimately, a company's success depends on its business model, team, customers, and ability to grow.

FAQs

Who are the top celebrity startup investors in Europe?

Notable celebrities connected with European startups include Kylian Mbappé, Leonardo DiCaprio, Emma Watson, Pau Gasol, Elton John, Ibai Llanos, Snoop Dogg, Novak Djokovic, Cristiano Ronaldo, and David Beckham.

Which industries attract celebrity investors?

Popular sectors include artificial intelligence, healthcare, clean energy, biotechnology, food technology, gaming, and consumer wellness.

Do celebrities invest their own money in startups?

Some invest directly, while others use investment companies or venture capital firms. A celebrity's involvement does not necessarily mean they personally funded the entire investment round.

Do celebrity investors guarantee startup success?

No. Celebrity backing can improve visibility and create business opportunities, but startups still face financial, operational, and market risks.