Celebrity investment in European startups often involves direct funding or participation through venture capital firms. These partnerships provide startups with capital, international visibility, and strategic industry connections.
Kylian Mbappe invested in Paris-based health-tech company Alan in March 2026. Alan raised €100 million in March 2026 and another €480 million in June 2026, reaching a valuation of €5 billion.
Leonardo DiCaprio invested in Barcelona-based SolarMente in 2024, which filed for bankruptcy in April 2026. DiCaprio also invested an undisclosed amount in the Stockholm-based company Elvy in October 2026.
In October 2026, Ibai Llanos and Gerard Pique led a €3.75 million financing round for the Barcelona-based snack startup Plesh. Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic made a seven-figure investment in waterdrop in 2023.
Diogo Dalot invested over €1 million in the London-based startup Bioniq in March 2025, joining Cristiano Ronaldo. David Beckham acquired shares in Guild Esports in 2020 ahead of its London Stock Exchange listing.
Other notable celebrity-backed deals include Emma Watson's 2021 investment in FabricNano, Pau Gasol's backing of Luzia, Snoop Dogg's involvement in Sanity Group, and Elton John's 2023 investment in Audoo.
