Startups

Stardust Capital: Inside Europe’s Top Celebrity-Backed Startup Investments

Published

34 minutes ago

October 10, 2026

Starfunding: 10 of Europe's biggest celebrity-backed startup deals

Celebrity investment in startups is expanding beyond traditional endorsements and brand partnerships, with famous backers putting capital into companies working on artificial intelligence, digital healthcare, clean energy, biotechnology, and other emerging sectors. Some celebrities invest directly, while others participate through venture capital firms or dedicated investment vehicles. Their involvement can bring not only funding but also international visibility, industry connections, and strategic expertise.

Here are 10 notable celebrity-backed startup deals across Europe, with publicly reported investment amounts, funding rounds, or financing arrangements:

Kylian Mbappé – Alan (France): €100 million funding round

French football superstar Kylian Mbappé invested in Paris-based health-tech company Alan in March 2026 through his investment vehicle, Coalition Capital. Alan provides digital health insurance and healthcare services and recently secured a €100 million funding round.

Leonardo DiCaprio – SolarMente (Spain): €50 million financing agreement

American actor Leonardo DiCaprio invested in Barcelona-based ClimateTech startup SolarMente in 2024. The company went bankrupt in April 2026, but DiCaprio has continued his investment trends, recently backing Stockholm-based Energy-as-a-Service company Elvy.

Emma Watson – FabricNano (United Kingdom): €10.5 million Series A

British actress Emma Watson invested in London-based BioTech startup FabricNano in 2021. The company develops cell-free biomanufacturing technology to make industrial production processes more efficient and sustainable.

Pau Gasol – Luzia (Spain): €9.5 million funding round

Spanish basketball legend Pau Gasol invested in Madrid-based AI startup Luzia. The company develops a generative AI assistant accessible through messaging platforms.

Elton John – Audoo (United Kingdom): €4.75 million funding round

British singer-songwriter Elton John invested in London-based music technology startup Audoo. The company develops audio recognition technology for music played in public places.

Ibai Llanos – Plesh (Spain): €3.75 million funding round

Spanish streamer Ibai Llanos led a financing round in Barcelona-based FoodTech startup Plesh, which develops chocolate snacks without added sugar.

Snoop Dogg – Sanity Group (Germany): €3 million investment

American rapper Snoop Dogg invested in Berlin-based Sanity Group, a company developing products in medical cannabis and consumer health.

Novak Djokovic – waterdrop (Austria): Seven-figure investment

Serbian tennis champion Novak Djokovic invested in Vienna-based startup waterdrop, which develops compact hydration cubes.

Djokovic made a significant seven-figure investment in the company, according to reports from January 2023.

Diogo Dalot and David Beckham: Celebrity Investments in European Startups

Two prominent figures in the world of sports, Portuguese footballer Diogo Dalot and English football icon David Beckham, have made significant investments in European startups, showcasing their personal commitment to the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Diogo Dalot, who currently plays for Manchester United and the Portuguese national team, joined London-based HealthTech startup Bioniq as an investor in March 2025. Bioniq, founded in 2019, specializes in creating personalized nutritional supplements based on blood biomarker data and AI-driven analysis to cater to individual needs. Dalot’s investment of over €1 million in the company demonstrates his belief in the potential of this innovative approach to health and wellness.

Similarly, David Beckham, a former player for Manchester United and Real Madrid and a global sports icon, ventured into the world of competitive gaming by investing in London-based Guild Esports in 2020. Guild Esports, established in 2019, focuses on building professional gaming teams, nurturing esports talent, and competing in international tournaments across various video game titles. Beckham’s investment of €272k through his business DB Ventures showcases his interest in the rapidly growing esports industry and his support for emerging talent in this space.

These investments by celebrities like Dalot and Beckham highlight the diverse range of sectors that attract their attention, from digital health and AI to gaming and esports. While the exact figures of their investments may vary, their involvement provides startups with access to valuable networks, visibility, and opportunities beyond traditional financing options. It is important to note that a celebrity’s participation in a funding round does not always mean that they personally invested the full amount, as they may utilize investment vehicles for such transactions.

As more athletes, entertainers, and creators establish their presence in the investment landscape, celebrity-backed startups are poised to play a significant role in driving innovation in Europe. Their contributions not only provide financial support but also bring attention to emerging technologies and industries, shaping the future of entrepreneurship in the region.

Transform the following:

Original: “I am going to the store to buy some groceries.”

Transformed: “I will be heading to the store to purchase groceries.”