Quick Links
When cryptocurrency came into existence, not many people were well-versed in the world of virtual money. Since this decentralized system can be complicated, its concept is challenging to grasp at first. While people saw cryptocurrencies as a risk factor, their values have grown exponentially. Initially, Developers, Engineers, and Entrepreneurs were the only people interested in cryptocurrencies and invested. However, since they gained momentum, celebs have taken a keen turn to invest and grow their money. Their investments have also caused the values of different cryptocurrencies to rise and fall, making them an interesting group of decision-makers.
Some celebrities invested in cryptocurrencies long before they were introduced to popular culture. Others have just entered the investment circles. Stars such as Hugh Laurie and Ashton Kutcher have been long-time investors, while Reese Witherspoon and Tom Brady have just started. Let’s take a glimpse at which celebrities have invested in cryptocurrencies.
Reese Witherspoon
Reese Witherspoon was one of the latest celebs to join the world of cryptocurrency. Witherspoon, who boasts a net worth of $400 million, recently sold her media company Hello Sunshine to a Blackstone-backed venture for $900 million. She took that opportunity to invest in the cryptocurrency ETH, known as Ethereum, via her Twitter account, as stated by Hello Magazine.
Johnny Depp
Johnny Depp is one of the most famous celebrities in the world. While his spending habits are highly publicized, the actor recently added cryptocurrency to the list. In October 2018, Depp partnered with a start-up TaTuTu. This blockchain company offers tokens as rewards to users who interact on gaming and film platforms.
Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Former boxer Floyd Mayweather joined the cryptocurrency wave in 2017 when he began promoting Ethereum and ICOs (Initial Coin Offerings) of several companies. Ahead of his exhibition match in 2021, Mayweather urged fans to buy his non-fungible tokens (NFTs) that would give them ownership of his memorabilia via a digital platform.
Lionel Messi
After becoming the brand ambassador for Sirin Labs in 2017, Lionel Messi took Instagram to showcase his excitement when the brand decided to launch the first crypto smartphone in the world. The phone features applications that are built explicitly for crypto users. According to The Sun, Messi was paid in cryptocurrency after transferring to the football club, Paris-Saint Germain. His tokens paid for his welcome package and the signing fee for the two-year contract with the club.
Mike Tyson
One of the greatest heavyweight boxers, Mike Tyson, has made $700 million and more through his boxing matches. The star boxer has invested in Bitcoin and even produced Bitcoin ATMs with his face tattoo printed on them. The ATM system acts as a virtual wallet that is operated by Bitcoins. Tyson also has plans to invest in cryptocurrencies like Ethereum and Solana.
Ashton Kutcher
Ashton Kutcher is known for his intelligent investments more than his acting chops. The actor has made several investments in businesses such as Canva, Uber, and Airbnb. While Kutcher was warned against investing in crypto by his wife Mila Kunis eight years ago, the couple’s investment paid off more than either of them expected. Kutcher made his first investment in Bitcoin and now has his own start-up, Ripple. Recently, he donated $4 million to Ellen Degeneres’ wildlife fund via bitcoins.
Paris Hilton
Paris Hilton generated interest in cryptocurrency long before it was hot on the market. Hilton was impressed with Ethereum back in 2016 when she met the founders. She has even named her pets after NFTs and created an Instagram account focused on NFTs. Additionally, Hilton added a laser eye symbol to her Twitter account, which is a sign of solidarity in the cryptocurrency community, as noted by Coin Desk.
Hugh Laurie
The star of the hit medical drama House MD, Hugh Laurie, is known worldwide for his role as the witty and dry-humored Dr. Gregory House. Laurie didn’t have an interest in cryptocurrency until 2015, when a friend suggested he invest in Bitcoin. During his investment, the value had started to grow, and he invested $5000 in BTC. This investment has increased as Bitcoin skyrocketed.
Tom Brady
In May 2021, the most successful NFL quarterback Tom Brady took Twitter to show off his new Twitter avatar with laser eyes, showing his support to the cryptocurrency market. While the cryptocurrency market is volatile, it saw a visible drop after Brady publicly supported the currency. According to CNBC, he was called the Bitcoin bull since his announcement led to a visible investment drop.
Elon Musk
Elon Musk has been the biggest influencer in the world of cryptocurrency. His tweet can make or break a cryptocurrency start-up. He did the same when he tweeted ‘Dogecoin,’ sending Twitter into a frenzy, and the value of Dogecoin rose by 11,000% in the market. He did the same when he tweeted that he would exchange Bitcoins for a Tesla, and the price of Bitcoin shot upwards.
Other notable celebs include Maisie Williams, Snoop Dogg, and even Kanye West. While the risk factor in large investments is high, celebs are not afraid to lose some money to earn more. The murky future of cryptocurrencies has long disappeared, and these investments are proof that cryptocurrencies are here for the long haul.
Sources: Hello Magazine, The Sun, Coin Desk, CNBC.