Did you realize there are quite a few celebrities who have also been very successful entrepreneurs away from public scrutiny? Here are 5 examples you may or may not be aware of.
What does entrepreneurship mean?
The term “entrepreneur” has become something of a popular expression of late, yet what does it mean?
“An entrepreneur is an individual who creates a new business, bearing the majority of the risks and enjoying the greater part of the rewards. The entrepreneur is usually seen as an innovator, a source of new ideas, products, services, and business/or procedures.” – Investopedia.
These rare individuals are vital to any economy and, if successful, can become very wealthy indeed. Of course, there is also a high risk that their investment of time and money can fail spectacularly.
Sometimes confused with “capitalists” or “investors,” entrepreneurs tend to be the individual (s) who require investments from the former to get their business ideas off the ground.
Many successful and/or serial entrepreneurs will also usually invest in other new startups, as well.
However, it ought to be noted that most “entrepreneurs” never actually think of themselves as such. It is a title that is often attributed to them by third parties.
“An entrepreneur is a person who organizes and operates a business or businesses, taking on greater than normal financial risks to do as such. Like my dad, many small business owners don’t embrace their identity as ‘entrepreneurs'” – Shopify.
5 celebrities that also happen to be tech entrepreneurs
Along these lines, without further ado, here are 5 celebrities who also happen to be tech entrepreneurs. Please note this list is far from exhaustive and in no particular order.
1. Jessica Alba is a tech entrepreneur
You might know Jessica Alba for her starring roles in “Idle Hands” and “Sin City”, yet there is another side to her. Did you also realize that she is a pretty successful tech entrepreneur?
She helped help establish The Honest Company back in 2012. This e-commerce company beats baby care items, shampoos, conditioners, makeup, and household cleaners to millions of customers all around the world.
Alba founded the company with Brian Lee, and it has since taken the world by storm. It recently also raised around $75 million during its Series E of public funding.
Not excessively shabby Alba!
2. Rainn Wilson has done alright with his tech startup
Rainn Wilson is another celebrity who has ventured into the tech startup business. Best known for his role in the American version of “The Office,” Rainn also helped track down the company SoulPancake.
“We create content, across various platforms, that explores life’s big questions, celebrates humanity, and champions creativity. and we do it with integrity, heart, and humor.” – SoulPancake.
This LA-based media company has filled significantly in recent years and presently boasts something like 3 million subscribers on YouTube alone. The company was also featured in the 2015 Fast Company’s “10 Most Innovative Companies in Video.”
It also managed to follow that up by coming in at number 114 on Inc’s 5000. Pretty great going.
3. Will.i.am is also a tech entrepreneur
Will.i.am, otherwise known as William Adam is probably best known for his role in The Black Eyed Peas. Be that as it may, he also has a lesser-referred to role as the founder of his tech company i.am+.
He founded the company back in 2012 as an e-commerce business yet it has since pivoted into becoming a profitable B2B tech startup. It specializes in creating AI-powered chatbots to help provide customer services for its many diverse clients.
The company has been able to raise $117 million of which $89 million was collected in a recent round of public funding.
4. Shawn Green is also making waves in the tech industry
Shawn Green, a Major League baseball player, is yet another celebrity with tech entrepreneurship under his belt. Green helped found the company Greenfly which is a Santa Monica-based tech company.
“Greenfly was founded in 2014 with a simple mission — to transform the way brands tell stories through their communities. Our leadership’s diverse pedigree spans professional sports, entertainment, technology, and global Fortune 500 companies.” – Greenfly.
They help develop and distribute a SaaS platform that helps their clients develop and share content.
5. Reese Witherspoon has also dabbled with buildings a business
Reese Witherspoon is another celebrity who has turned her hand to starting a business. Best known for her role in “Legally Blonde”, Witherspoon is also pretty talented off-screen.
Her company, Hello Sunshine, is helping to empower female authors to make a success of themselves. Witherspoon’s company offers a new storytelling platform, including traditional media outlets, as well as books, social content, and audio.
“Founded by Reese Witherspoon, Hello Sunshine is a media company that puts women at the center of every story we create, celebrate, and discover. We tell stories we love-from big to small, interesting to complex-all shining a light on where women are currently and helping them chart a new path forward.” – Hello Sunshine.
Read also: Top 5 most influential people in information technology