A group of celebrities have launched a collective to invest in tech startups, following in the footsteps of athletes who have bolstered their portfolios.
Founded by musicians, actors and TV stars, The Artists Collective has already invested in over 20 early-stage tech companies.
Among its founding members are TV presenters Maya Jama and Roman Kemp, actor Daniel Kaluuya, and comedian Jack Whitehall.
Founders Fergus and Ruari Bell hope to match the success of their athlete-led venture capital firm, The Players Fund, which has driven more sportspeople to invest.
It counts Jessica Ennis-Hill, Ben Stokes and Stuart Broad among its investors and recently launched a start-up accelerator with Serie A club Como 1907.
Daniel Kaluyya and Jack Whitehall are among the stars joining the investment collective
Ruari Bell, managing partner at The Artists Collective, said: ‘Artists want a trusted home to invest together, learn together and support founders where it actually counts. We aim to do the work quietly and let the results speak for themselves.
‘We’re bringing The Players Fund’s approach to artists – pairing capital with targeted support that drives tangible results. TAC sits inside The Players Fund’s ecosystem and invests alongside our athlete network.’
The collective’s investments will sit within the personal portfolios of participating artists, with fund management provided by The Players Fund team.
It targets companies at the Seed and Series A stages, writing cheques of between £50,000 and £300,000 with a focus on AI, software, cybersecurity, fintech, health and media.
It has already invested in Seat Unique, after which Jack Whitehall became an ambassador for the business.
Fergus Bell, co-founder of The Artists Collective, added: ‘We proved with athletes that capital plus access can outperform cheque size.
‘Bringing artists into the same orbit compounds that effect.
‘The support looks like warm introductions that move revenue, help with key hires, and network access timed to a founder’s plan, not the news cycle.
‘When distribution or partnerships matter most, we bring sport and entertainment into the same room.
‘The first cheque earns the right to help. After that, we turn access into outcomes.’
The collective has also invested in AI translator Palabra, toothpaste company Gutology and Lowlu saunas.
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