YouTube sensation MrBeast seeks funding at $5B valuation
27 Feb 2025

YouTube sensation MrBeast, known off-screen as Jimmy Donaldson, is looking to raise a few hundred million dollars to grow his business empire.

As reported by Bloomberg, the fundraising round could value his company at an impressive $5 billion.

Donaldson has started talks with several financial institutions and high-net-worth individuals over potential investment opportunities. However, the talks are still in their early stages and no deals have been made yet.

Business portfolio and expansion plans
Business growth

The funds raised by Donaldson will go toward a holding company that owns full or partial stakes in a number of businesses. These include Feastables, a chocolate brand; Lunchly, a snack company; and his own video production firm.

The business has been profitable with over $400 million in sales last year alone.

Donaldson hopes to use the new funding to expand his packaged goods and media enterprises.

YouTube success and Amazon show
Media ventures

Donaldson is famous for his YouTube videos, which include massive challenges and giveaways that draw in millions of viewers.

He also created and starred in a show for Amazon Prime Video, which became the platform's most-watched unscripted series of all time.

Although he lost money on the first season due to exorbitant production costs, Donaldson is determined to keep it top-notch.

"I lost tens of millions of dollars on Beast Games," he said on the Diary of a CEO podcast.

Amazon's continued commitment and MrBeast's previous fundraising
Ongoing projects

Despite the financial loss from the first season, Amazon has agreed to produce more seasons of Donaldson's show. The original deal included an investment of over $250 million for two more seasons.

In his previous fundraising attempts, Donaldson received backing from New York-based investment firm Alpha Wave Global.

He also recently showed interest in acquiring TikTok, Bloomberg News reported last month.