India’s thriving tech landscape is no longer exclusive to business school graduates. Over the past decade, several celebrities have capitalized on the growth of the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, diving into entrepreneurship and investment.
Leading this shift are prominent figures like Deepika Padukone and Alia Bhatt, who are founding startups, particularly in the booming omnichannel D2C space. Even cricketers such as MS Dhoni and Deepak Chahar are entering the fray, with Chahar recently launching a fantasy gaming platform.
Celebrities aren’t just investing; they are actively building businesses, adopting the principles of entrepreneurship, and investing heavily. According to Inc42, 2023 was a record year for celebrity investors, with over 19 personalities backing 26 startups, including big names like Akshay Kumar and Sunil Shetty.
As angel investments rise, here’s a glance at the Indian celebrities making headlines in the startup world:
1. Alia Bhatt
An avid startup investor, Alia Bhatt expanded her influence in the Indian startup scene with the launch of Ed-a-Mamma, a kidswear D2C brand, in 2020. Unlike other celebrity brands, Ed-a-Mamma was fully funded by Bhatt. The brand sells across ecommerce platforms, offline retail chains, and its website. In 2023, Reliance Retail Ventures acquired a majority stake in the startup. Bhatt’s portfolio also includes investments in Style Cracker, Phool, and Nykaa.
2. Deepak Chahar
Indian cricketer Deepak Chahar entered the startup space in 2023 with Trade Fantasy Game (TFG), a fantasy gaming platform. TFG aims to attract 1 million users by FY24. Chahar also launched the D2C sportswear brand DNINE Sports, which offers sports apparel and accessories.
3. Deepika Padukone
Actress Deepika Padukone became an investor in startups like Bellatrix Aerospace and Blusmart. In 2022, she co-founded the personal care brand 82°E, focusing on skincare products. The startup raised $7.5 million in seed funding and continues to grow its product range. Padukone also invests in Epigamia, Furlenco, Atomberg, and Mokobara.
4. Hrithik Roshan
In 2013, Hrithik Roshan launched HRX, a lifestyle brand offering sportswear, footwear, and accessories. The brand expanded into gym equipment and wearables, partnering with Cult.fit for fitness regimes.
5. Katrina Kaif
Katrina Kaif founded Kay Beauty, a makeup brand launched in 2019. The brand sells a wide range of beauty products and became a part of Nykaa. Nykaa owns 51% of Kay Beauty, and it is projected to generate INR 200 crore in FY24.
6. Kriti Sanon
Kriti Sanon co-founded the fitness brand The Tribe in 2022. She also launched skincare brand Hyphen with PEP Technologies, offering 21 SKUs of facial care products. The startup reported INR 14 crore in FY24.
7. MS Dhoni
Former Indian cricketer MS Dhoni co-owns the lifestyle brand SEVEN and has invested in more than eight Indian startups, including Tagda Raho, Rigi, and EMotorad. Dhoni also owns a chain of gyms under SportsFit World Pvt Ltd.
8. Preity Zinta
Preity Zinta co-owns the IPL team Punjab Kings and recently co-founded DRIVE FITT, a gym facility offering high-tech cricket training. Zinta is expanding her entrepreneurial presence with this venture.
9. Priyanka Chopra Jonas
Priyanka Chopra Jonas launched the haircare brand Anomaly in 2021, first in the US and then in India via Nykaa. She has also invested in Holberton School and Bumble.
10. Rakul Preet Singh
Rakul Preet Singh launched the talent discovery platform Starring You and later co-founded NewBoo, a D2C baby care startup. She is also an investor in Wellbeing Nutrition.
11. Rana Daggubati
Rana Daggubati co-founded IKONZ, a metaverse and NFT platform. He also co-founded Socialswag, a fan engagement platform, with Akshay Kumar.
12. Ranveer Singh
Ranveer Singh co-founded Bold Care, a D2C sexual wellness startup, and invested in brands like bOAt and Sugar Cosmetics.
13. Samantha Ruth Prabhu
Samantha Ruth Prabhu co-founded Saaki, a D2C fashion brand, and invested in SustainKart and Nourish You.
14. Shraddha Kapoor
Shraddha Kapoor co-founded jewellery startup Palmonas in 2024, offering affordable premium jewellery with a one-year warranty. Kapoor previously endorsed Melorra, a competitor in the jewellery space.
These celebrity founders and investors are playing an integral role in shaping India’s startup ecosystem, merging stardom with business acumen to create successful ventures.
