National Startup Day: Tinsel Town's 2023 Entrepreneurial Buzz

Today is National Startup Day. On this occasion of the 8th National Startup Day, let’s take a look at how, in 2023, the Indian startup ecosystem experienced steady growth, capturing the attention of actors and celebrities who found it to be a lucrative space for investment.

In 2023 alone Bollywood celebrities invested in more than 26 startups. Bollywood celebrities have not only embraced the role of investors but have also ventured into entrepreneurship as startup founders. Notable names in this category include Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone, Akshay Kumar, and Kareena Kapoor.

Let's have a look at the B-Town celebs who have bet big on the Startup Ecosystem.

Stars and Startups in 2023

Akshay Kumar Made an Agritech Bet

Bollywood's Khiladi, Akshay Kumar, showcased his diversified investment portfolio by putting his money into Two Brothers Organic Farms (TBOF), an organic farming-related startup. This investment, made in collaboration with cricketer Virender Sehwag during the pre-Series A funding round in April, reflects Kumar's commitment to sustainable agriculture. TBOF aims to revolutionize organic farming practices, promoting healthier lifestyles and environmentally friendly agricultural methods.

Alia Bhatt Solidified Her Baby & Mother Care Playbook with SuperBottoms

Alia Bhatt, known for her versatility on-screen, extended her influence to the startup ecosystem by investing in SuperBottoms, a brand focused on baby and mother care products. In September, Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (RRVL) acquired a 51% majority stake in Ed-a-Mamma, an apparel brand specializing in kids and maternity wear, co-founded by Alia Bhatt. This strategic partnership aligns with Bhatt's commitment to creating a sustainable and fashionable ecosystem for mothers and children.

Deepika Padukone's Ka Invested in Blue Tokai

Deepika Padukone, the celebrated 'Padmaavat' actress, made waves in the startup world by investing through her entity Ka Enterprises. In September, she picked up an undisclosed stake in Gurgaon-based specialty coffee chain Blue Tokai during its Series B fundraise. This investment reflects Padukone's interest in the evolving coffee culture in India and her support for innovative ventures that redefine the consumer experience.

Dia Mirza Backed Good Glamm Group's BabyChakra

Dia Mirza, known for her advocacy for sustainable living, extended her commitment by backing Good Glamm Group's BabyChakra. The platform focuses on providing comprehensive information and support to parents, ensuring a holistic approach to child wellness. Mirza's investment aligns with her values and her dedication to ventures that positively impact society, especially in the realm of parenting and child development.

Ekta Kapoor Invested in B2B Marketplace The Yarn Bazar

Ekta Kapoor, the queen of Indian television and film production, made strategic moves in the startup world by investing in The Yarn Bazar, a B2B marketplace. Kapoor's foray into the B2B sector demonstrates her keen business acumen and her recognition of the evolving dynamics in the market. The Yarn Bazar aims to streamline the supply chain in the textile industry, a move that aligns with Kapoor's vision for innovation and efficiency.

Shilpa Shetty Has A KisanKonnect

Actress Shilpa Shetty made noteworthy investments in 2023, showcasing her diverse portfolio. She invested Rs 2.2 crore in WickedGüd, a healthy food startup, and an undisclosed amount in Mumbai-based foods and vegetable startup KisanKonnect. Shetty's exit from Honasa Consumer, listed in November, marks a successful journey for the actress-turned-investor. Her multi-faceted approach to startup investments highlights the dynamism of the celebrity-driven startup landscape.

Kareena Kapoor Khan's Joint Venture - Quench Botanics

In October, actor Kareena Kapoor Khan inked a strategic partnership with Sugar Cosmetics’ parent company, Vellvette Lifestyle, to form a joint venture company called Quench Botanics. This venture is set to sell premium Korean beauty products, demonstrating Kapoor's interest in the beauty and wellness space. Her strategic move emphasizes the potential for collaborations and joint ventures between celebrities and startups to create innovative and successful business ventures.

Parineeti Chopra's Clensta Stake

Actress Parineeti Chopra turned entrepreneur in July by acquiring a minority stake in Clensta, a health and personal care brand providing sustainable products. Chopra's investment reflects her commitment to promoting sustainable and innovative solutions in the personal care industry. This move also exemplifies how celebrities are actively participating in shaping and endorsing sustainable and eco-friendly products through their investments.

Suniel Shetty's Diverse Roles in the Startup Ecosystem

Actor Suniel Shetty played a diverse role in the startup ecosystem by backing three ventures in 2023. In May, he announced the launch of a new food delivery app, Waayu, aiming to help hotels and restaurants log orders for food delivery without any commission. Shetty's investment in edtech firm Klassroom Edutech further showcases his commitment to supporting diverse sectors within the startup landscape.

Sanjay Dutt's Bet on Cartel & Bros

Sanjay Dutt placed his bets on a Mumbai-based AlcoBev startup firm, Cartel & Bros. The company focuses on importing and retailing a portfolio of liquor brands into India. Dutt's investment reflects the evolving trends in the beverage industry and the potential for startups to disrupt traditional markets. His involvement highlights the growing interest of celebrities in sectors beyond traditional domains.

The year 2023 witnessed a significant surge in celebrity investments in Indian startups, showcasing the growing allure of the startup ecosystem. Beyond the glamour of the entertainment industry, actors and celebrities are actively participating in shaping the future of various sectors through strategic investments and entrepreneurial ventures. The collaborations between celebrities and startups not only bring financial support but also add credibility and visibility, contributing to the overall growth and dynamism of the Indian startup landscape. As we step into the future, it's evident that the symbiotic relationship between stars and startups will continue to thrive, fostering innovation, diversity, and sustainable growth.

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