Year Round Up 2025: From Bollywood to Boardrooms, Celebrity Investments That Defined 2025

After nearly two years of subdued startup investment, the Indian startup funding winter finally thawed in 2025. What started as occasional endorsement deals has evolved into a defining feature of India's entrepreneurial ecosystem. In 2025, stars from Bollywood, cricket, music, and sports stepped decisively into roles as investors, co-founders, and strategic partners, bringing not just capital but also brand legitimacy, market reach, and cultural influence to India's next wave of innovation. The shift from passive brand ambassadorships to active ownership stakes represents a fundamental transformation in how celebrities engage with business.

From first-time investors like Salman Khan and Rahul Dravid to serial backers like MS Dhoni and Shah Rukh Khan, celebrities are no longer limiting themselves to red carpets and promotional events. They're building businesses, backing disruptive technologies, reshaping consumer markets, and creating legacy portfolios that extend far beyond their primary careers. The maturity of this trend is evident in the diversity of sectors attracting celebrity capital, from AI-powered content platforms to sustainable mobility solutions, from premium spirits to drone technology.

The year also witnessed celebrities taking on more than just investor roles. Many became co-founders, creative partners, and product developers, deeply embedding themselves in the operational fabric of startups. This hands-on approach has proven mutually beneficial: startups gain instant credibility and access to massive consumer bases, while celebrities build substantial business empires that generate returns independent of their entertainment or sports careers.

Badshah

Rapper and musician Badshah continued building his startup portfolio in 2025 by backing healthtech startup Gabit, which develops a longevity ecosystem centered around a smart-ring wearable with AI-led wellness coaching. This investment aligns with the growing wellness technology sector and demonstrates Badshah's interest in consumer health innovation. Beyond passive investments, he also launched Badboy Pizza, a mass-premium QSR brand created in partnership with cloud kitchen startup Ghost Kitchens India. The first outlet opened in Mumbai this year, with ambitious plans to expand to 50 locations over the next few years. His earlier investments include mobility marketplace Droom, where he paired capital with a long-term brand partnership aimed at strengthening the platform's visibility among younger users. He also launched Shelter 6, a vodka co-created with Cartel Bros, the innovators behind whisky labels The Glenwalk with Sanjay Dutt and The GlenJourneys with Ajay Devgn. 

Hrithik Roshan

Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan deepened his relationship with the fitness and wellness sector by joining Curefit as both investor and brand ambassador for its flagship brand EatFit in February 2025. The investment represents an evolution from his 2017 brand ambassador contract valued at $15.6 million (~Rs. 100 crore). EatFit is now being repositioned under 'Kitchens of EatFit' as Curefit focuses on the food delivery segment. Beyond this strategic investment, Roshan continues to operate HRX, his successful activewear and fitness lifestyle brand that offers track pants, sweatshirts, joggers, footwear, and accessories. The EatFit investment demonstrates his commitment to the health and wellness space while leveraging his personal brand as a fitness icon to drive consumer trust and market penetration for the startup.

Jasprit Bumrah

Indian cricket star Jasprit Bumrah expanded his three-year relationship with Mumbai-based sustainable travel gear startup uppercase by becoming an investor in April 2025. The investment marked an evolution from his role as brand ambassador to active contributor in the brand's development, including co-creating a new product line. Founded by Sudip Ghose, Accel-backed uppercase designs and manufactures environmentally friendly luggage and travel accessories using recycled materials. The company claims to have recycled the equivalent of 54.79 lakh plastic bottles, saving 436,193 kg of carbon dioxide emissions. Operating 1,600 points of sale with 32 outlets across Tier I, II, and III cities, uppercase plans to open 100 exclusive outlets over the next two years, targeting revenue of Rs 250 crore.

MS Dhoni

Cricket legend MS Dhoni had an exceptionally active year in 2025, making multiple strategic investments through his family office Midas Deals. In August, he joined insurtech platform Acko as both investor and brand ambassador, expanding into the fintech sector. He backed cloud kitchen startup House Of Biryani with Rs. 32 crore in growth funding, demonstrating his continued interest in food technology. Most significantly, Dhoni substantially increased his stake in drone technology startup Garuda Aerospace, which raised Rs. 100 crore at a $250 million valuation in April 2025. The funds will be used to scale manufacturing, build new R&D and defence-drone facilities, and enhance IP portfolios. His broader portfolio includes more than a dozen startups highlighting sustainability and innovation, including Khatabook, CARS24, Centricity, and HomeLane.

Prakash Padukone

Renowned badminton player and father of actor Deepika Padukone, Prakash Padukone, continued his active involvement in startup investments through his entity Ka Enterprises in 2025. Alongside Zerodha's investment arm Rainmatter, he backed premium sports tech startup Machaxi, a Bengaluru-based company founded in 2022 that provides training facilities with AI-backed programs to help athletes analyze strategies and upskill their game. His portfolio already includes successful brands like Epigamia and 82oE. Although Padukone remained an active investor this year, he stepped away from day-to-day oversight of PPBA (Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy), now renamed Centre for Badminton Excellence (CBE), to focus on building grassroots programs via Padukone School of Badminton (PSB), aimed at bringing coaching to a wider base across India.

Rana Daggubati

Actor Rana Daggubati, who began his startup investor journey in 2016 with mobile gaming platform Gamezop, continued his active engagement with India's startup ecosystem in 2025. In July, he invested in Chai Bisket, a microdrama platform raising $5 million from investors including Info Edge Ventures and Swiggy co-founders Sriharsha Majety and Nandan Reddy. Chai Bisket represents the emerging short-form video content space, particularly micro-dramas that cater to regional language audiences. Over the years, Daggubati has built a diverse portfolio backing startups like Pulp, Ghost Kitchens, and Salud Beverages, demonstrating his interest in food and beverage ventures alongside media and technology platforms. His investments reflect a strategic focus on consumer-facing businesses with strong regional appeal and scalability potential. In November, he, along with entrepreneur Sree Harsha Vadlamudi, and composer Anirudh Ravichander, launched Loca Loka, a tequila brand, making an entry into India’s premium spirits market.

Ranbir Kapoor

Actor Ranbir Kapoor, who started his investment journey with music streaming app Saavn in 2016, made two significant investments in 2025. He backed logistics startup Prozo, which serves over 150 brands with 45 fulfilment centres covering 24,000+ pin codes across India, and healthtech platform Gabit, which builds AI-led wellness coaching around a smart-ring wearable. His portfolio demonstrates sectoral diversity, including eco-friendly home products brand Beco and listed drone tech major DroneAcharya. Kapoor primarily participates in seed or early-stage investments through personal funds. Beyond investing, he launched lifestyle brand ARKS in 2024 with Abhinav Verma, offering premium clothing, footwear, and accessories for both men and women with a focus on modern essentials, minimalist designs, and functional style. His wife, actor Alia Bhatt, also maintains an active startup portfolio.

Alia Bhatt

Actor Alia Bhatt has established herself as one of Bollywood's most active investor-entrepreneurs, balancing strategic investments with her own ventures. She founded Ed-a-Mamma, a sustainable kidswear D2C brand that focuses on comfortable, eco-friendly clothing for children. Beyond her own brand, Bhatt has made strategic investments in several promising startups including Style Cracker, a fashion technology platform, Phool, a sustainable luxury brand that upcycles floral waste into incense and other products, and Nykaa, one of India's leading beauty and lifestyle e-commerce unicorns. Her investment philosophy reflects a strong emphasis on sustainability, women-led businesses, and consumer brands that align with her personal values. Bhatt's involvement typically extends beyond capital to include brand building, marketing strategy, and product development input, making her a valuable strategic partner for portfolio companies.

Rinku Singh

Young Indian cricketer Rinku Singh, who made his IPL debut in 2018, emerged as one of the youngest celebrity investors in India's startup ecosystem in 2025. Following the conviction of his cricketing peers to back innovative startups, he made his first investment in supplement startup BeastLife, founded by fitness influencer Gaurav Taneja and Raj Vikram Gupta. BeastLife offers high-quality protein powders, creatine, and mass gainers targeting fitness enthusiasts. Leveraging Taneja's substantial social media influence, the startup sells concentrated whey protein powders, mass gainers, creatine, and a range of other supplements via its website, marketplaces, and quick commerce platforms. Singh's entry into startup investing at a relatively early stage in his career signals a generational shift among young sports professionals who view investments as essential portfolio diversification strategies.

Rohit Sharma

Former Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma has built an impressive startup portfolio spanning health, fintech, logistics, sustainability, and agritech sectors. In 2025, Sharma backed logistics tech startup Prozo alongside Ranbir Kapoor. Prozo currently offers supply chain operations for over 150 brands across diverse sectors, operating more than 45 fulfillment centers covering over 24,000 pin codes across India. His broader portfolio includes LEO1, eco-friendly home products brand Beco, drone startup TechEagle, fresh meat delivery platform ZappFresh, and agritech startup Veiroots. Beyond direct investments, Sharma maintains active brand ambassador relationships with ixigo, Goibibo, BharatPe, Swiggy, and wearables brand Noise. His investment strategy focuses on identifying startups addressing real consumer pain points with scalable technology solutions, particularly those aligned with sustainability and innovation themes.

Salman Khan

Salman Khan, one of Indian cinema's most prominent figures and longtime entrepreneur through his Being Human brand umbrella, made his startup investment debut in March 2025 by backing Purple Style Labs ahead of its IPO. Purple Style Labs is the parent company of Indian designer brands including Pernia's Pop Up Studio & Shop, Wendell Rodricks, and Hemant Trevedi. In September 2025, the company filed its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with SEBI for an IPO consisting solely of a fresh issue of equity shares worth up to Rs. 660 crore. Khan's earlier involvement in the startup ecosystem includes being among the early backers of listed online travel company Yatra and short-form video app Chingari. His broader portfolio includes investments in GARI, Republic Labs, ProfitBoard, and White Star Capital, demonstrating his growing interest in technology and consumer businesses.

Shah Rukh Khan

Global Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan made two significant investments in 2025 through his family office. In May, he backed Mythik, an AI-based media and entertainment startup founded by ex-Freecharge CEO Jason Kothari that uses artificial intelligence to adapt mythology, history, and traditional Indian stories into modernized video content for contemporary audiences. Additionally, Khan invested in Mumbai-based investment firm Venture Catalysts during its Rs. 150 crore capital raise, joining Param Capital founder Mukul Agarwal and actor Aishwarya Rai among others. His existing startup portfolio includes investments in wellness brand NuMi, nutrition platform Nourish, and family entertainment company KidZania. Beyond investments, Khan co-founded luxury streetwear brand D'YAVOL Luxury Collective with his son Aryan Khan in 2024, marking his entry into the fashion entrepreneurship space.

Shankar Mahadevan

Renowned singer and composer Shankar Mahadevan took on an entrepreneurial role in 2025 by joining KS Ramakrishnan of Eatopia Holdings as co-founder to reimagine F&B brand Malgudi in August. The South Indian cuisine resto-cafe launched two outlets in Mumbai's Borivali and Chembur neighborhoods, offering authentic regional flavors with contemporary dining experiences. In November, the brand introduced Malgudi On The Go, a quick-service restaurant format designed for faster service and broader accessibility. The venture represents Mahadevan's first major foray into food and beverage entrepreneurship, leveraging his cultural brand and appreciation for traditional South Indian cuisine. The expansion strategy focuses on major metropolitan areas with significant South Indian diaspora populations, combining nostalgia-driven branding with modern operational efficiency to capture both older generations seeking authentic flavors and younger consumers exploring regional cuisines.

Shraddha Kapoor

Bollywood actor Shraddha Kapoor has emerged as one of the most active celebrity entrepreneurs in India's startup landscape. In 2024, she joined Palmonas as co-founder, a jewelry brand selling affordable, premium-quality pieces that raised Rs. 55 crore from Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia & India to strengthen its 9kt gold demi-fine collection, open 100 new stores over 12 months, and expand into new categories. In March 2025, Kapoor backed Purple Style Labs alongside Surya Kumar Yadav and Salman Khan ahead of its IPO filing. She also operates Imara, an ethnic wear brand founded in partnership with Sachin Tendulkar's USPL in 2015. Her broader portfolio includes health and wellness brand Power Gummies and home furnishings brand Bella Casa. Kapoor's investment philosophy emphasizes women-centric businesses, accessible luxury, and brands that bridge traditional aesthetics with contemporary consumer preferences.

Surya Kumar Yadav

Indian cricketer Surya Kumar Yadav has built a strong presence in the startup ecosystem through a combination of investments and brand partnerships. In March 2025, he backed Purple Style Labs alongside Shraddha Kapoor and Salman Khan, marking his entry into fashion and lifestyle investing. His portfolio is primarily endorsement-focused, maintaining active partnerships with numerous consumer brands including Pintola (peanut butter), Boult Audio (wearables), Dream11 (fantasy sports), Sprite (beverages), Lenskart (eyewear), Reebok (sportswear), and Skyscanner (travel platform). While his investment portfolio remains relatively concentrated compared to some peers, his endorsement relationships demonstrate strong brand alignment with youth-oriented, digitally-native companies. His involvement with Purple Style Labs signals an intention to transition from pure endorsements toward equity-based strategic partnerships with high-growth consumer businesses in the fashion and lifestyle sectors.

Virat Kohli

Cricket superstar Virat Kohli, who retired from Test and T20 cricket in November 2025, remains one of the most active athlete-entrepreneurs in India. In 2025, Kohli invested in sportswear startup Agilitas while joining as co-creator for its product portfolio. Agilitas is currently working on brand launches and store openings for Kohli's lifestyle brand One8. Beyond One8, he owns restobar One8 Commune, fine-dining establishment Nueva, and fashion brand WROGN, creating a comprehensive lifestyle empire. His startup portfolio, managed through personal stakes and a family office, includes digital insurance platform Digit Insurance, recovery technology company Hyperice, plant-based meat brand Blue Tribe Foods, coffee brand Rage Coffee, and millet-based nutrition brand Slurrp Farm. Kohli's investments reflect his personal interests in fitness, nutrition, and premium lifestyle experiences, with a strong emphasis on health-conscious and sustainable consumer brands.

Suniel Shetty

Actor and entrepreneur Suniel Shetty, along with his son Ahan Shetty and son-in-law cricketer KL Rahul, invested in electric mobility startup EXELmoto in June 2025. Founded by automotive designer and entrepreneur Akshai Varde, EXELmoto launched pre-orders for personal mobility e-bikes in June before unveiling 'Scoot' e-cycle in late October—a scooter-style frame with pedal assist and bench seat designed specifically for women and elderly users. The license-free, registration-free vehicle addresses urban mobility needs for demographics often underserved by traditional two-wheeler manufacturers. The Mumbai-based startup has partnered with Delhivery for B2B logistics operations and plans to scale production to 50,000 bikes annually by the third quarter of 2026, with expansion planned for Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern markets where license-free mobility is permitted. The family investment demonstrates the Shetty clan's commitment to sustainable transportation solutions.

Rashmika Mandanna

Actor Rashmika Mandanna launched her fragrance brand Dear Diary in July 2025, partnering with The PCA Companies, a New York-based beauty incubator renowned for blending emotional storytelling with commercial viability. The fragrance collection is rooted in memory and emotion, with each perfume inspired by Mandanna's personal life experiences and reflections. Dear Diary represents a strategic entry into the premium beauty and personal care segment, leveraging Mandanna's massive pan-Indian fan base across Bollywood and South Indian cinema. The brand differentiates itself through narrative-driven product development, where each fragrance tells a story and connects emotionally with consumers. This venture marks Mandanna's first major entrepreneurial initiative beyond film work, positioning her in the rapidly growing celebrity-founded beauty brands category. The partnership with PCA Companies provides access to global beauty industry expertise, supply chain infrastructure, and international distribution networks.

Amrita Puri

Actor Amrita Puri made a significant luxury real estate investment in 2025 by acquiring a property in Lodha World Towers for Rs. 37 crore, choosing architectural sophistication in Lower Parel over suburban options. The investment reflects the enduring appeal of "marquee" homes in Mumbai's most prestigious addresses, where privacy, status, and world-class amenities command premium valuations. Lodha World Towers represents one of Mumbai's most iconic residential developments, offering panoramic city and sea views, high-end finishes, and exclusive facilities. Lower Parel and Worli continue to dominate the ultra-luxury residential market, attracting celebrities, business leaders, and high-net-worth individuals seeking trophy assets. Puri's investment aligns with a broader trend of celebrities viewing luxury real estate not just as residences but as appreciating assets and status symbols. The Rs. 37 crore acquisition positions her among Bollywood's serious real estate investors alongside peers like Shahid Kapoor.

Rahul Dravid

Indian cricket legend and former national coach Rahul Dravid made his startup investment debut in November 2025 by backing Bombay Shaving Company in its Rs. 136 crore funding round, which combined primary and secondary infusions. The round was led by Sixth Sense Ventures, with participation from founder and CEO Shantanu Deshpande, Patni Family Office, GII, and other high-net-worth individuals. Bombay Shaving Company focuses on designing innovative grooming solutions for young India, having achieved a revenue run-rate exceeding Rs. 550 crore while reaching PAT (profit after tax) profitability. The brand competes in the rapidly growing men's personal care segment with products spanning shaving essentials, skincare, haircare, and grooming accessories. The fundraise represents a strategic step toward consolidation as the company prepares for a potential IPO, with Dravid's involvement lending credibility and brand recognition to its growth trajectory.

Ranveer Singh

Bollywood star Ranveer Singh made one of 2025's most significant celebrity business moves by becoming co-founder and creative partner at ABD Maestro, the premium spirits subsidiary of Allied Blenders and Distillers. ABD invested Rs. 70 crore for an 80% stake while Singh acquired 20% through his entity Oh Five Oh Talent. The partnership launched two premium products in 2025: Rangeela Vodka and YELLO Designer Whisky, both positioned in the rapidly growing premium alcoholic beverages segment. Singh's involvement extends beyond passive investment to active brand development, creative direction, and marketing strategy, leveraging his energetic public persona and massive fan following to build aspirational lifestyle brands. The venture represents a strategic bet on India's premiumization trend, particularly among younger consumers willing to pay premium prices for differentiated products backed by trusted celebrity brands in the spirits category.

Vivek Oberoi

Actor and entrepreneur Vivek Oberoi acquired a 21% stake in Rutland Square Spirits for Rs. 52.5 crore in May 2025, taking on roles as co-founder and Chairman post-investment. The premium Scottish spirits company, founded by Nishant Sharma and Veenu Sharma, is known for its innovative oolong white-tea infused gin that blends India's tea heritage with Scotland's spirits tradition, using famous tea leaves from Dibrugarh in artisanal distilling processes. Beyond the spirits business, Rutland Square has ambitious expansion plans, including raising an additional Rs. 1,500 crore to establish a net-zero luxury hotel in Edinburgh featuring Scotland's first Ayurvedic wellness centre and Europe's first hydrogen-powered facilities. Oberoi's involvement brings both capital and celebrity brand power to a niche luxury spirits brand while positioning him in the fast-growing premium alcoholic beverages market in India and internationally.

Akkineni Naga Chaitanya

Actor-turned-entrepreneur Akkineni Naga Chaitanya launched his second food and beverage venture, Scuzi, a cloud kitchen in Hyderabad, in April 2025. Inspired by Chaitanya's international culinary experiences and personal travels, Scuzi's menu offers a diverse range of comfort foods with a gourmet touch, targeting urban consumers seeking restaurant-quality meals delivered to their homes or offices. This represents his second F&B venture following the success of his pan-Asian brand Shoyu, which expanded to Bengaluru in October 2025, demonstrating the strength of his restaurant concepts. The cloud kitchen model allows for capital-efficient expansion without the overhead costs of traditional restaurants, enabling rapid scaling across multiple cities. Chaitanya's entrepreneurial approach combines his personal passion for food with strategic business thinking, leveraging cloud kitchens' operational flexibility and data-driven menu optimisation to build a sustainable restaurant business.

Year in Review: The Evolution of Celebrity Capital

The year 2025 marked a decisive turning point in how Indian celebrities engage with entrepreneurship and startup investing. What distinguishes this year from previous cycles is the sheer depth of involvement; celebrities are no longer content with symbolic equity stakes or passive brand ambassador roles. Instead, they're taking board seats, co-founding companies, developing products, and actively shaping business strategy. This hands-on approach benefits both parties: startups gain instant credibility, access to massive consumer bases, and cultural capital that accelerates market penetration, while celebrities build substantial business empires generating returns independent of their primary careers. The maturity is evident in sectoral diversity, from AI-powered content platforms to sustainable mobility, premium spirits to drone technology, reflecting sophisticated investment theses rather than opportunistic bets. 

First-time investors like Salman Khan and Rahul Dravid entering the arena signal that celebrity investing has moved from niche to mainstream, while veterans like MS Dhoni managing portfolios through family offices demonstrate institutionalised approaches to wealth deployment.

The trends reveal clear patterns: health and wellness dominate investment focus, reflecting post-pandemic consumer priorities; sustainability has become non-negotiable, with investments in eco-friendly products and electric vehicles; and premiumization attracts celebrity capital, particularly in spirits, fashion, and lifestyle categories where brand power directly translates to pricing power. Several celebrity-backed companies, including Purple Style Labs and Bombay Shaving Company, are preparing for IPOs, validating the commercial viability of celebrity-backed ventures. 

Looking ahead to 2026, the convergence of stardom and startups will only deepen as more athletes and entertainers recognise that strategic investments offer not just financial returns but legacy-building opportunities beyond their primary careers. The future of Indian entrepreneurship is being shaped not only in garages and boardrooms but also on film sets, cricket stadiums, and concert stages, where the next wave of investor-entrepreneurs are rewriting the rules of business and entertainment.