Undeniably, Bitcoin has become the talk of the town. Is this because of its skyrocketing value? Or maybe, it's all the celebrity press! The most popular altcoin in the cryptocurrency world has caught the attention of famous faces. Who has publically endorsed and invested, personally?
Bill Gates
Sure, Bill Gates is already the world’s richest computer whiz. With more than $120 billion to his name, many would imagine he is satisfied. Bill is involved with at least some digital coin, though. What does the founder of Microsoft Corporation know that other people don't?
The truth is, Bill has actually been critical about Bitcoin for some time. But his charitable foundation did award a hundred grand to Bitsoko, a bitcoin startup hoping to supplement Africa’s underbanked populations. The innovator is willing to experiment, and see where it goes!
Next: See celebrities that have taken the plunge and bought crypto recently!
Ashton Kutcher
Fans of That 70's Show may not have checked back in for awhile with Ashton, but he's been busy. With an impressive second career in business, he is one of the founders of a venture fund: A-Grade Investments. The actor has been speaking as an investor, all over the country!
Ashton has invested around $12 million in Bitcoin, and wants people to know it. Addressing the issue at the TechCrunch Disrupt conference, he said: "I think bitcoins are obviously becoming more and more relevant...I think the fact that you can buy drugs and ammo with it is actually (a) validator of the currency itself." He has expressed interest in the political implications of the Bitcoin revolution, as a check against big brother. Only time will tell!
Gwyneth Paltrow
Actress and wellness guru Gwyneth Paltrow has decided to dip into crypto, as well. Her lifestyle brand Goop has won over the trust of women worldwide, for all the best trends ahead of the curve — warranted or not! What is the team advising in the world of digital coin?
Gwen has signed on to be the public face and a board member of bitcoin wallet, Abra. Her online mag wrote a basic guide to new currencies for readers who probably noticed the partnership. According to Goop: ''Today, the Bitcoin network is worth over $100 billion. We believe that eventually Bitcoin will be used to solve big global problems.'' Perhaps it will, say Goopsters!
Lionel Messi
Yes, soccer star Lionel Messi already has enough coin, in the traditional sense. With a reported net worth of around $400 million, he's set for life, just about anywhere. But that doesn't mean he isn't interested in futuristic tech! What is his recent involvement with crypto all about, anyway?
Well, the story is certainly developing fast — there are at least two ventures on his plate, so far. On Facebook, Messi posted: “I am usually busy trying to decentralize defences and after digging deeper into Blockchain and decentralized systems, I’m excited to join SIRIN LABS as an ambassador to make blockchain more friendly with their upcoming operating system for smartphones.” Beyond that, FC BARCELONA is launching its own cryptocurrency. Sounds like he's stepping in for the foreseeable future!
Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss
The nemeses from The Social Network are real: Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss are the twins that challenged Mark Zuckerberg to claim ownership of his idea. Although they only partially won the suit, the Harvard-educated, 2008 Beijing Olympic double rowers have been busy. Busy with Bitcoin, of course!
Years ago, they bought Bitcoin when it just $120 a pop. Since then, the world has seen the price rise exponentially. When it hit $11,000 per unit, Cameron and Tyler became Bitcoin billionaires. The first in history, in fact! Not a bad consolation prize after missing out on Facebook, is it?
50 Cent
The rapper known as 50 Cent was already worth far more than his name implies. With a reported wealth of around $30 million, he probably didn't need any crypto. Still, he decided to experiment and sell his album Animal Ambition in Bitcoin in 2014. He says he forgot about the 700 coins, for years!
The man behind the moniker is really named Curtis James Jackson, and he's really become quite the investor. With money in mining, boxing, and tech, the rapper has diversified. The Bitcoin has turned out to be a great idea, in the end!
Richard Branson
British billionaire and Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson has a new interest, these days. His company is involved with Bitcoin start-up Bitpay, and he has personally invested around $30 million into the currency. But the man has warnings, too! What does he want newbies to know?
Shockingly, there are fraudsters out there using his image for fake Bitcoin ventures. According to Richard: “I never endorse any get-rich-quick schemes—this is a sure-fire way to lose your investment...While I have often commented on the potential benefits of genuine bitcoin developments, I absolutely do not endorse these fake bitcoin stories.” Good to know, Sir Richard!
Mike Tyson
Legendary Boxer Mike Tyson has never been seen as a guru for investment tips. But now, he has launched a Bitcoin wallet! This collaboration with company Bitcoin direct will allow fans to do real transactions. What's more, Mike has now revealed his own bitcoin ATM in Las Vegas!
But according to the champ: “People don’t really understand a currency based on numerical equations. I personally still don’t...I’m grateful to be a part of the revolution and hoping that my participation in this space will lead to more conversations and help increase knowledge and awareness.” Fair enough, Mike!
Nas
Rapper Nas hasn't been at the top of the charts lately, as he was in his heyday. But maybe that's because he's been occupied with more! Along with his manager, he's invested $25 million into Bitcoin. Nas has also actively invested in around 40 start-ups in the field, leaving little doubt about his interest in crypto.
He explained: “[Bitcoin] will evolve into an industry as big, if not bigger, than the Internet...[I] would love to see how it affects people who don’t use credit cards or don’t have bank accounts...[Bitcoin] could be a big opportunity for those folks.” Indeed, only time will tell!
Bjork
Bizarre and bold, Bjork is always on the cutting edge of just about everything. These days that includes crypto. Before most artists were open to the idea, she allowed fans to buy her albums with new coins. Bjork is happy to take Bitcoin, Litecoin, Dashcoin, or Audiocoin, so far!
What's more, Bjork is giving away 100 AudioCoins to anyone who purchases her newest album, Utopia. Most people haven't heard of them, as they are new in the music industry. Right now, her gift adds up to around 19 cents, and it's a way to get fans involved in the revolution!
Tony Hawk
Tony Hawk is the biggest name in the game — if that game is skateboarding. These days, he's mostly retired from the sport. But he certainly isn't done with daring stunts! Tony is an entrepreneur worth $135 million, gained through sponsorships and competition. At present, he's aiming to multiply that through crypto.
Getting in early, Tony claims to have been “riding [bitcoin] for 6 years” already. He has resisted advice to sell and seems committed to the journey. He even allows donations in BiutCoin for his nonprofit, the Tony Hawk Foundation. No wipe out, yet!
Nargis Fakhri
Nargis Fakhri is a staple in the Bollywood universe, seamlessly switching from Urdu to English films. Recently, that skill has taken her all the way to Hollywood, with Spy, her first appearance in 2015. As a global gal, she is certainly in on the latest trends. Apparently, that now includes Bitcoin!
While it's not clear exactly what her personal investment is, the actress seems to have a passion for spreading knowledge to fans online. She linked to a beginner's guide, and tweeted: ''Hey Guys & Gals, Get with the world of Bitcoins!'' Thanks for the head's up, Nargis.
Snoop Dogg
Snoop Doggy Dogg has also shown interest in crypto. At an event, the rapper was presented with Sparkle Coins: 1500 units worth around $55,500. He donated them to his charity, Snoop Youth Football League. Snoop has been involved with other digital currencies in the past, too!
In 2013, tweeted about his next record and its futuristic plan. He wants the product to be “available in bitcoin and delivered in a drone”. With all-time Bitcoin increase of around 500,000% — no joke — it's no wonder Snoop is interested in the digtal game!
Richard Sherman
NFL player Richard Sherman takes risks all the time — on the field. In real life, it seems like he is interested in making big moves, too! During recent interviews, he has been talking up Bitcoin. What does he really think about the new financial opportunity?
He shared: “It really has changed the way people view currency, the way people view IPOs and ICOs...I think that is obviously incredible, and great for people looking for alternative investments.” In 2014, he started accepting Bitcoin for merch on his website. Putting his digital money where his mouth is, clearly!
Jamie Foxx
Jamie Foxx has done it all — acting, singing, and even comedy. Now, he's a co-owner of an eyeglasses company, bringing the trends to the masses. But that's just the beginning of his interest in multiplying money. It seems this renaissance man is interested in diversifying his wallet, not just his career!
Recently, he tweeted: “Looking forward to participating in the new @cobinwood Token! ZERO fee trading!” Cobinhood has recently shut down, claiming it is only temporary. How did this bump in the road affect Jamie's net worth of $150 million? Likely, not much!
Mel B
Scary Spice, otherwise known as Mel B, has long moved on from The Spice Girls. She has succeeded in UK a solo career, and gained brand new fans in the process. Mel is an innovator. Maybe that's why those listeners are now able to purchase her work in crypto!
She explained: “I love how new technology makes our lives easier, and to me that’s exciting...Bitcoin unites my fans around the world using one currency. They can just pay using bitcoins!” Mel was the first musician to accept Bitcoin, in fact. And she's already not the last!
Amitabh Bachchan
Amitabh Bachchan is superstar on the Indian subcontinent. As an actor, producer, TV host, and former politician, the man is capable of wearing many hats. In India, he was the biggest name in film for a few decades, at least! Americans may know him from a quick appearance in The Great Gatsby, as character Meyer Wolfsheim.
Together with his son, he's been spending a lot of time investing his earnings. Reportedly, they have put in $250,000 for Bitcoin over the last few years. Since then, the value has gone, up, up, up!
Shilpa Shetty
Bollywood seems to be openly interested in Bitcoin, and this now includes actress Shilpa Shetty. On social media, she shared her intrigue with the currency to fans. But she has gotten into a bit of trouble, in India! Why was the government investigating her husband?
According to the finance minister, a few years ago: "The government does not consider cryptocurrencies as legal tender or coin and (will) take all measures to eliminate the use of crypto-assets." Since then, they have reversed the ban. But the Indian government just hasn't been as friendly to the currency as some of its stars!
Rog Ver
For those wondering who got in the earliest, readers must turn to Rog Ver. The entrepreneur was one of the very first investors in Bitcoin, which is a big reason for his current net worth of $52 million. Now, he spends time giving much of it away to charity! Some call him“Bitcoin Jesus”.
He remains a visible evangelist for the currency, now involved even more in the field. Rog has been linked to Bitcoin Cash, Ripple bitcoin.com, Kraken, Coinsetter, and Bitpay. Why is he so passionate? Rog Ver tweeted: ''The SEC claims to protect consumers, but the reality is that they cause moral hazard, destroy billions of dollars worth of wealth, and protect incumbents against upstarts.'' Hard to argue with, Rog!
Yifu Guo
Bitcoin lovers know all about the process of mining, and NYU student Yifu Guo was a big part of that story. Now a grad, he can boast that he engineered the very first purpose-built Bitcoin miner. With this tech, he founded Avalon back in 2012.
The company was doing well, but Yifu left after just a year. With his exit, he became the first Bitcoin millionaire! According to Yifu: “People need to get their head out of the sand in terms of thinking of it as a competitor to their local currencies. We no longer live in a localized economy. We live in a globalized economy and bitcoin is designed for a globalized system.'' Perhaps, perhaps!
Kanye West
Rapper, father, and clothing designer Kanye West has never been one to overlook a trend. In fashion and music, some call him a visionary. Does he have any thoughts about digital currency, linking it all? According to his recent interviews, maybe he does!
The star says that decentralizing is the future, and talked about it extensively on his 2020 appearance with Joe Rogan. According to Yeezy, crypto might be ''the true liberation of America and humanity." Perhaps he will explain more in the future, and reveal his own investment?
Dave Carlson
Dave Carlson has been a known name in the startup world since the late 90s. These days, he is probably best known for his sixth venture, Giga Watt. Dave got to work building a giant Bitcoin mining facility in America, all the way back in 2011. Before it was cool perhaps!
It looks like it has all paid off, just as he planned: Dave is a Bitcoin millionaire worth $35 million. He actually reports that he made $8 million each month in 2016 from this work. Sounds like a good year, to say the least!
Hugh Laurie
Hugh Laurie is an English actor best known for his role on House, which ran from 2004–2012. He won awards and made a boatload of cash per episode, which means he now has plenty to invest. Reports put him at a net worth of $45 million. What does Hugh think about crypto?
Just a few years ago, the famous TV doctor developed an interest in Bitcoin. A friend suggested he put some funds in, just as the value was rising. Hugh invested $5,000. By now, it's at least nice pocket change!
Jered Kenna
One of the biggest winners out of the Bitcoin gold rush has been former United States Marine Jered Kenna. He was wise enough to start investing in the currency when it was only 20 cents a coin and is now a Bitcoin millionaire. His net worth has been put at $30 million so far!
Jered founded Tradehill, and wanted to stay involved. But he has gotten cynical recently, saying that people have changed their attitude since the early days, ''and now the only thing people focus on is making money.” Love lost, for good? Could be, sadly!
Ranganathan Madhavan
R Madhavan has joined the list of Bollywood Bitcoin fans, tweeting out his support. His existing net worth is estimated to be around $13 million, but he wants that to grow. The award-winning actor, writer, and producer tweeted out a guide for Bitcoin for beginners. Perhaps he is included!
But like other Indian innovators, it hasn't been easy to get involved with digital currency. His nation's central bank banned the sale or purchase of crypto in 2018, though it was reversed in 2020. What will their final decision be? Hard to say, for certain!