YouTube sensation MrBeast is in talks to raise several hundred million dollars to expand his growing business empire, in a funding round that could value his company at approximately $5 billion, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
The YouTube star, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, has approached financial firms and high-net-worth individuals about potential investments. However, sources caution that discussions are still in early stages, and it remains unclear who will invest or if the funding will materialize at the target valuation.
Donaldson is seeking funding for a holding company that controls his various business ventures, including:
🍫 Feastables – his chocolate brand
🥪 Lunchly – a snack company
🎥 His video production company
The business is profitable, generating over $400 million in sales last year, according to insiders. The new funding would be used to expand both his media and consumer goods ventures.
MrBeast is YouTube’s most-followed creator, known for his high-budget giveaways and challenge videos, which consistently attract hundreds of millions of views. His content earns revenue through advertising sales and sponsorships.
Beyond YouTube, he also produced and starred in the Amazon Prime Video series Beast Games, which Amazon described as its most-watched unscripted show ever.
Despite Amazon investing $100 million into Season 1, Donaldson admitted on the Diary of a CEO podcast that he lost tens of millions on production costs, saying:
“I lost tens of millions of dollars on Beast Games. But it’s about making Season 1 as good as possible.”
Amazon has committed to additional seasons, though budget negotiations are ongoing. The original deal outlined a $250 million investment across two more seasons.
Donaldson has previously raised capital, including from New York-based investment firm Alpha Wave Global. Last month, Bloomberg reported that he was part of a group exploring a bid to acquire TikTok.
His Feastables brand has expanded across the U.S. and Canada, while his MrBeast Burger food delivery business has been embroiled in a legal dispute with its operating partner.
With a $5 billion valuation in sight, MrBeast is cementing his position as one of the most powerful digital entrepreneurs in the world.
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