Everyone recognizes names like Kim Kardashian, Ashton Kutcher, or Rafael Nadal. However, what remains behind the scenes is a lesser-known — yet increasingly relevant — facet of these celebrities.
One of the most notable initiatives is that of Kim Kardashian, who founded her own private equity firm, driven by her firsthand experience selling stakes in her brands — KKW Beauty and SKIMS — jointly valued at over $5 billion, to various funds.
In 2022, she launched SKKY Partners with Jay Sammons, a former senior executive at Carlyle. Kardashian identified private equity as a platform to scale iconic brands, and set the fund’s goal to acquire both minority and controlling stakes in high-growth companies that are leaders in their markets. In her own words:
“I’m excited to invest... leveraging my experience in building and scaling global businesses and partnering with innovative companies to help them grow.”
SKKY focuses on aspirational consumer products, with current investments in companies such as 111SKIN (luxury skincare) and TRUFF (truffle-based gourmet products), reflecting a clear and coherent alignment with Kardashian’s own brand image.
Meanwhile, Ashton Kutcher — known for his roles in Hollywood comedies — has built a strong reputation as a tech investor. In 2015, he co-founded Sound Ventures with entrepreneur Guy Oseary.
A venture capital (VC) fund invests in startups or early-stage companies with high growth potential, aiming to increase their value and provide the infrastructure to support their development.
Kutcher’s firm has backed major players early on, such as Uber, Spotify, Robinhood, and Airbnb, anticipating the success of these platforms. Today, Sound Ventures is increasingly focused on artificial intelligence, including an investment fund dedicated to this booming technology, with OpenAI among its portfolio companies.
With a more reserved profile, Will Smith has also made a mark in the investment world. Through Dreamers VC, co-founded with Japanese footballer Keisuke Honda, Smith is actively involved in financing tech companies with strong potential. His portfolio includes names like Oura (wearable wellness technology), Neuralink, and The Boring Company, both led by Elon Musk.
In Spain, several prominent figures have also made their way into private equity. Most notably, Rafael Nadal has done so through Mabel Capital, a firm he co-owns. Nadal has established an investment strategy focused primarily on premium real estate, managing a significant portion of his wealth through a professional, long-term structure.
Pau Gasol has also entered the field with Gasol16 Ventures, a VC investment vehicle specializing in sports, health, and strategic advisory, with a focus on the Spanish startup ecosystem.
Other notable Spanish athletes investing in alternative assets include Gerard Piqué, Iker Casillas, and Fernando Alonso.
However, investing in high-growth companies is no longer exclusive to high-net-worth individuals or celebrities with privileged access. Thanks to Crescenta, any qualified investor can now access private equity funds that support private (non-listed) companies.
Through expert fund selection, Crescenta opens the door to a previously inaccessible universe, allowing more people to share in the success of trendsetting global businesses. You can view the open funds [at this link].
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