18 businesses you didn’t know were owned by celebrities

While they are not using their talents acting or singing, many celebrities choose to let their entrepreneurial spirit sore in their free time. We have covered some of the business fails celebrities have made, but there are also a lot of successes. The businesses in this list are more than just an endorsement, these celebrities are deeply involved in these business ventures. Take a look at our list of 18 popular companies owned by celebrities.  

1. Aviation Gin – Ryan Reynolds

Ryan Reynolds is the face, part owner, board member, and creative director for Aviation Gin. Founded by bartender Ryan Magarian and Distillery owner Christian Krogstad in the early 2000s, Reynolds bought an ownership stake in 2018. He then announced his ownership stake in the business on Instagram in /February of that year.

2. Reddit – Snoop Dogg

One of the most popular companies on the internet since 2014, you may be surprised to find that Reddit is part owned by Snoop Dogg. Co-founded in 2005 by Steve Huffman and Alexis Ohanian, Snoop joined the team when he worked with other investors to deliver a $50 million cash infusion for the company.

While Snoop Dogg’s involvement with Reddit is unclear, he is close with the founders. Ohanian was a guest on his GGN podcast in 2017.

3. Sauza 901 Tequila – Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake joined the tequila business in 2009. He later worked with Beam, Inc. to rebrand his spirit in 2014 to Sauza 901. Timberlake is clearly proud of his tequila, staring in a commercial created for Cinco de Mayo in 2015.

4. Chicagoist – Chance the Rapper

Chicago native Chance the Rapper began venturing outside of the music industry with his purchase of the news site Chicagoist in July 2018. He announced the purchase on his track “ I Might Need Security”, where he said “I bought the Chicagoist just to run you racist [obscenity] outta business.” His level of involvement in the company remains a mystery.  

5. Handsomecharlie Films – Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman has enhanced her talents in front of the camera with her own production company. Named after her late dog, Natalie founded Handsomecharlie Films more than a decade ago. Since then she has produced films like Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, as well as Jane Got a Gun.

6. Fancy – Will Smith

In 2013, Will Smith joined forces with other investors to raise $53 million for a community curated online shopping platform, Fancy. Will Smith is listed on the companies Partners page under “Friends” and is quoted as saying “Fancy.com, my favourite site.” Despite this, his involvement with the company is unknown.

7. A-Grade Investments – Ashton Kutcher

In 2010, Ashton Kutcher branched out of acting when he co-founded venture capital fund A-Grade Investments. His co-founders are his friends Guy Oseary and Ron Burkle. The fund invests in technology startups, serving as angel investors. A few companies the group as backed include Uber, Airbnb and Duolingo.

8. Denver and Delilah Productions – Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron doesn’t just star in movies, she helps make them. Her production company, Denver and Delilah Productions, specialises in behind the scenes work. Theron serves as principal of the company which was named after her dogs. Many of the company’s credits include Charlize’s own movies Atomic Blonde, Tully, and Monster. Denver and Delilah is also the production company behind Netflix series Mindhunter.

9. Funny or Die – Will Ferrell

In 2007 Comedian Will Ferrell teamed up with Adam McKay, Chris Henchy and other partners to create the Funny or Die platform. The company started by captivating audiences with funny videos. Since then, it has evolved into an Emmy-winning comedy studio responsible for projects such as American Vandal, Brockmire, and I Love You, America.

10. Just Water – Jaden and Will Smith

Jaden and Will Smith co-founded eco-friendly bottled water company, Just Water, in 2015. However, according to Will Smith, the pair decided to stay behind the scenes until 2018 in order to let the brand gain momentum on its own terms.

Jaden Smith has been working extensively to promote the brand and its vision through videos on climate change, sustainability, and renewable resources. He also visits schools to spread awareness on the dangers of plastic and pollution.

11. Naja – Gina Rodriguez

Jane the Virgin star Gina Rodriguez co-founded Naja with Catalina Girard. Far from a typical lingerie company, Naja has a noble purpose. The brands factory is staffed by single mothers and female heads of households. Naja offers above-average wages, flexible working conditions, and fund for books, school supplies, uniforms and school meals for all employees’ children. The company also has an extensive eco-focus to ensure its products are environmentally friendly.

12. Kravitz Design – Lenny Kravitz

Lenny Kravitz has expanded his creativity beyond music with Kravitz Design. Founded in 2003, Lenny has worked on a range of projects including designing wallpaper for Flavor Paper, furniture for CB2 and Kartell, a chandelier for Swarovski, and 75 Kenmare, a multi unit residential building in New York City.

13. Kode with Klossy – Karlie Kloss

Karlie Kloss is incredibly smart and passionate about all things tech. She has expanded her passion by founding Kode with Klossy in 2015 while she was a student at The New York University, taking code classes. As a charitable organisation, Kode with Klossy offers a free two-week summer program for girls aged 13 to 18.

14. Pinot – Titus Burgess

Titus Burgess’ venture into Pinot Noir is a fitting move for anyone who is a fan of The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. Pinot by Titus Burgess is a 2014 Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir. However, despite his face and signature being clearly displayed on the bottle, the actor’s involvement in the wine making process is unclear.

15. Whoopi & Maya – Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg and Om Edibles founder Maya Elisabeth launched the California based medical marijuana company, Whoopi & Maya is 2016. Their brand aims to provide help for women suffering from menstrual cramp pain through their line of herbal medical cannabis products. Their products are now available in over 300 dispensaries.

16. Chong’s Choice – Tommy Chong

Tommy Chong is a well known marijuana enthusiast, so his business venture is no surprise to anyone. Chong’s Choice is a medical marijuana company, with each product hand selected by the star. He has taken his experience with the product to help fans benefit from his knowledge and industry connections.

17. Mansinthe – Marilyn Manson

Marilyn Manson loves Absinth. He is so passionate about the drink that he created and launched his own brand in 2006. Mansinthe is made in a small village in Switzerland called Kallnach. Mansinthe was rated highly by Wine Enthusaist, who gave the 90 points. You would hope it was a high quality spirit, with a 750 millimiter bottle selling for $65.99.

18. Kingdom and State – Tan France

Queer Eye star Tan France founded womenswear company Kingdom and State in 2011. Originally based in London, the company moved to the U.S. in 2013. France revealed that during the company’s first 3 years of operation, he was the only employee. Now he is lead designer. Tan France also co-created Rachel Parcell, Inc. in 2015, he serves as lead designer.