Rashmika Mandanna invests in Plum, joins bevy of actors funding start-ups

Actors, like sportspersons and other celebrities these days, are investing in innovative instruments, and start-up funding is one such. From fitness equipment to clothes to jewellery to chai outlets, stars from across the country are gravitating towards investing in start-ups.

Often, the investment comes with an endorsement deal. The star would invest in the company as well as act as its brand ambassador.

The latest to join the tribe is Pushpa actor Rashmika Mandanna, who  has invested in vegan beauty and personal care brand Plum. She has also signed up as the brand ambassador for the company. “A partnership with Mandanna will help create new pathways for customer acquisitions,” stated Plum.

Other star-funders

Among other stars who have invested in start-ups is Kollywood actor Nayanthara, who has put in money in Chai Waale, a quick service restaurants (QSR) player. She participated in a
Rs 5 crore funding round of Chai Waale, which runs a chain of outlets serving beverages and snacks.

In Bollywood, Alia Bhatt has invested in Stylecracker, an online portal that provides personal stylist services. She also invested Rs. 4.95 crore in Nykaa’s parent company E-Commerce Ventures. Additionally, Bhatt has launched Ed-a-Mamma, her own kids wear fashion brand.

Akshay Kumar, known for action-packed scenes and stunts, has invested in GOQii, a Mumbai-based wearable touch startup. The idea behind GOQii’s product is to help people track their steps, sleep and physical activities.

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Actor Farhan Akhtar, along with his sister Zoya Akhtar, has invested in Ola Electric, a Bengaluru based EV manufacturer. Priyanka Chopra, now a Bollywood as well as Hollywood sensation, has invested in Holberton School, an alternative college education startup. She has also invested in dating app Bumble.

The divas and their money 

Shraddha Kapoor has invested in Power Gummies, a startup which seeks to promote better health. It offers chewable vitamin gummies as a nutrition supplement.

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Deepika Padukone, known as an astute investor, has co-funded the parent brand of Epigamia yogurt, Drums Food International. She has also invested in Front Row, a learning and community platform.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, yet another supposedly smart investor, has put some money in Ambee, a startup that helps monitor air quality with data from 100 sensors across Bengaluru. Madhuri Dixit, meanwhile, holds a stake in wearable electronics startup GOQii.

Television actors are also not far behind with many like Anita Hassanandani and Aashka Goradia investing in brands like Vanity Wagon and Renee Cosmetics.

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