These Celebrity-Backed Startups Are Rewriting Europe's Funding Playbook

Jan de Vries · 2026-10-09

Celebrities have always lent their names to products. But something's shifted. Instead of just cashing endorsement checks, they're writing real ones — and not for the obvious stuff. We're talking AI, digital health, clean energy, biotech. The kind of startups that need deep pockets and long attention spans. Some celebrities invest directly. Others go through venture arms or personal vehicles. Either way, they bring more than money: global visibility, industry connections, and a certain gravitational pull that helps founders get meetings they'd otherwise never land. Here are ten deals across Europe that show just how serious this trend has become. ### Kylian Mbappé and Alan: A $108 Million Bet on Health Tech French football star Kylian Mbappé — World Cup winner, Real Madrid forward — became an investor and ambassador for Paris-based Alan in March 2026 through his vehicle, Coalition Capital. Alan provides digital health insurance and services. The company raised about $108 million that same month, pushing its valuation to roughly $5.4 billion. Then in June 2026, it raised another $520 million. Mbappé's exact stake wasn't disclosed. But he's working with Alan on preventive care, mental health, nutrition, and physical activity. That's not a passive check. ### Leonardo DiCaprio and SolarMente: When Star Power Meets Bankruptcy Leonardo DiCaprio backed Barcelona-based SolarMente in 2024. The startup helped households access solar energy through a subscription model — no huge upfront installation costs. Then in April 2026, SolarMente went bankrupt. A tough break for everyone involved. But DiCaprio hasn't soured on climate tech. He recently invested an undisclosed amount in Stockholm-based Elvy, an Energy-as-a-Service company. The man keeps betting on the transition. ### Emma Watson and FabricNano: A $11.3 Million Series A Emma Watson — yes, Hermione — joined investors in London-based FabricNano back in 2021. Founded in 2018, FabricNano develops cell-free biomanufacturing. Translation: they use immobilized enzymes to make industrial production cleaner and less dependent on fossil fuels. The company raised about $11.3 million in its Series A. Watson's been quietly building a portfolio of mission-driven startups. This one fits the pattern. ### Pau Gasol and Luzia: A $10.3 Million Round for AI Two-time NBA champion Pau Gasol backed Madrid-based Luzia through his vehicle, Gasol16 Ventures. Luzia builds a generative AI assistant that works inside WhatsApp and Telegram. No separate app needed. The company raised roughly $10.3 million. Gasol, one of Europe's most decorated basketball players, has been investing in Spanish startups for years. This one's a bet on AI going mainstream through the apps people already use. ### Elton John and Audoo: A $5.1 Million Round for Music Royalties Sir Elton John invested in London-based Audoo in 2023. The startup makes audio recognition tech that identifies music played in shops, restaurants, and gyms. The goal? Get artists paid more fairly by giving rights organizations accurate play data. Audoo raised about $5.1 million. Elton's career spans five decades. He knows a thing or two about getting paid for your work. ### The Bigger Picture What stands out isn't just the names. It's the sectors. Health tech, climate, biotech, AI — these are capital-intensive, regulation-heavy fields. Celebrity money alone won't make them work. But when combined with serious venture backing, it can accelerate hiring, partnerships, and press. And for founders, a famous backer often means an easier path to the next round. Investors notice. Customers notice. Talent notices. The celebrity startup era isn't a fad. It's a new channel — and Europe's ecosystem is learning how to use it.