Going Beyond the Filter: Influencers Transition To Being Investors

Gone are the days when social media influencers, YouTubers, and creators of all kinds were only known for their photo-perfect shots, viral memes, and travel diaries. The transitions were a trend that created a rage in the Insta-influencer industry, and well, they are just another fad today. Talking about transitions, have you witnessed the dramatic turn of events recently in the influencer market and, of course, in the realms of investments? The content creators who used to make videos and pose for photos to promote the brands are now investing in them. That’s right! The sun has set on conventional influencer marketing, and a new dawn has emerged with influencers daring to become angel investors in early-stage startups.

Undoubtedly, the follower count is no longer an attribute of assuming the capabilities of these creators; it is the impact they have that matters and the change they bring to the lives of entrepreneurs and customers across the globe. Let us give you a glimpse of the influencers who are donning the cloaks of investors and their emergence in the new era of investments.

Indian Influencers and Creators Who Turned Startup Investors

With an impressive experiential journey in the influencer industry, the creators have now paved their way into funding profitable investments in startups. These influencers are no longer just content stirring the pot; they are gems transforming the industry into gold.

Zakir Khan: A stand-up comedian, Zakir gained popularity through his most famous stand-up special ‘Haq Se Single’. The comedian who is also a digital creator and an actor recently posted a fun video about his investment in Deciml. We can’t wait to see what other hat Zakir is willing to wear. 

Raj Shamani: An entrepreneur, motivational speaker, YouTuber, influencer, podcast host, and whatnot, has funded multiple startups. He surely knows how to steal an opportunity and make the most of it. He invested in startups like Wint Wealth, Growth School, Deciml, Listed, Scenes, The Mainstreet Marketplace, and OpeninApp.

Tanmay Bhat: The AIB fame, and a YouTuber with 4.48 million subscribers, has surely aced the investment game like a pro! Don’t believe us? His investment portfolio stars startups like Smallcase, Qoohoo, Mean DAO, Avalon Scenes, HYPD Stores, Flint, Growth School, and Wint Wealth. Sounds like he is *secret whispers* acing the business.

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Ranveer Allahbadia: Popularly known as ‘BeerBiceps’, we are addicted to Ranveer’s motivational reels and journey to digital stardom. With an abundance of new startup ideas booming every day, how could this mastermind of an influencer not hop on the next best opportunity to invest? He has funded startups like Ready Set Jet, Qoohoo, Sahicoin, and HYPD, and he is now an “influester” at Deciml.

Masoom Minawala: This trendsetting diva and fashion influencer surely knows the real business. From slaying statement looks on the Cannes red carpet to promoting brands and giving a boost to small businesses through her social media presence, this fashion fame has come a long way. She is not just an equity holder at the CAI Store footwear brand but has also funded startups like Wishlink, Blissclub, and One Impression. She is the true representation of a boss lady! Don’t you think?

Other than these, the popular content creators who have recently turned angel investors include renowned names like Bhuvan Bam, Vicky Malhotra, Suhani Shah, Akshat Srivastava, and more.

But wait! Why are startups getting on board with influencers? Why are they giving these influencers a seat at the table?

Of course, nobody approaches creators to turn them into investors at first; rather, a connection is formed as a result of a problem statement that the creators can solve. Growth School founder Vaibhav Sisinty, for instance, reached out to creators who agreed to serve as mentors for the edtech startup. This led to long-term collaborations and, eventually, investments.

However, a growing number of companies are stating openly that they want creators to contribute to their cap tables. Since content-led businesses have exploded in the last few years, it only makes sense to fully leverage this by offering a stake to the creators who understand this field best. What are your views on this influencer-investor realm? Comment below!