The power of celebrities and influencers is no longer limited to entertainment and social media. Today, high-profile figures are reshaping the business landscape, becoming key drivers in mergers, acquisitions (M&A), and Initial Public Offerings (IPOs). Their influence extends beyond endorsements, with many launching and scaling their own brands, leading to billion-dollar valuations and the potential for blockbuster IPOs. This article explores the latest developments in celebrity-driven businesses and how figures like Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, and Jay-Z are using their influence to drive M&A and IPOs.
Kim Kardashian and SKIMS: A Billion-Dollar IPO on the Horizon
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Few celebrity-driven brands have made as much noise as Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS. Launched in 2019, SKIMS specializes in shapewear, designed to offer inclusive sizing and innovative designs that cater to a broad demographic. Kardashian teamed up with entrepreneur Jens Grede to build the company, which has since grown into a household name in the fashion industry.
As of 2024, SKIMS is valued at $4 billion, following a series of successful funding rounds. The company has expanded beyond shapewear, now offering loungewear, sleepwear, and most recently, a men’s line. Hedge fund managers and market experts have speculated that SKIMS is one of the most anticipated IPOs of 2024, positioning it as a key player in the public markets. Eric Krull, a hedge fund manager, identified SKIMS as a strong IPO candidate, particularly if the market conditions improve.Â
What makes SKIMS a likely IPO contender is its rapid growth, its ability to tap into an underserved market, and Kardashian’s unparalleled reach and branding prowess. If SKIMS goes public, it would not only represent a milestone for Kardashian but also reinforce the growing trend of celebrities building billion-dollar brands with the potential to dominate public markets.
Rihanna and Savage X Fenty: A Trailblazer in Inclusivity and Business
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Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty has become a symbol of inclusivity and empowerment, offering lingerie in a wide range of sizes and styles to celebrate body diversity. Since its launch in 2018, Savage X Fenty has grown into a billion-dollar brand, valued at $3 billion as of 2023. The brand’s inclusive approach has earned it widespread acclaim, making it a leader in the intimate apparel industry.
There have been ongoing discussions about Savage X Fenty going public. Reports suggest that the company has been preparing for an IPO, which could value the brand at even higher levels. Though no formal IPO has been announced yet, the brand’s sustained success and Rihanna’s business acumen make it a strong candidate for a future listing. Investors are keenly watching Savage X Fenty’s next move, especially as the company continues to disrupt the lingerie market.
Rihanna’s success with Savage X Fenty mirrors the trajectory of other celebrity-founded brands—leveraging star power to build a scalable business, but with an added focus on social impact and inclusivity. An eventual IPO would further solidify Rihanna’s status as one of the most successful entrepreneur-celebrities of her generation.
Jay-Z and TIDAL: A Strategic Exit with a Future in Fintech
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In the world of music and entertainment, Jay-Z has consistently proven his business savvy. His acquisition of the music streaming service TIDAL in 2015 for $56 million aimed to create a platform that prioritizes artist ownership and high-quality audio. While TIDAL never fully overtook competitors like Spotify and Apple Music, it set itself apart by offering unique content and exclusive releases.
In 2021, Jay-Z sold a majority stake in TIDAL to Square, Inc. (now known as Block) for $297 million. While the sale marked a significant exit, Jay-Z remains involved in TIDAL as a board member and stakeholder. The deal has proven to be a strategic move, as TIDAL now has the backing of a fintech giant, with plans to integrate music streaming and financial services​(
This merger illustrates how celebrities are not only creating valuable businesses but also strategically navigating exits that align with broader market trends. Jay-Z’s sale of TIDAL reflects his ability to leverage opportunities in the fintech space while maintaining creative control and influence over the platform.
The Yeezy Empire: Kanye West’s Billion-Dollar Brand
Kanye West has long been a dominant figure in both music and fashion, but his Yeezy brand, in partnership with Adidas, has arguably become his most lucrative venture. The Yeezy line, known for its high-demand sneaker releases and innovative streetwear designs, has been valued at $3.2 billion.
While there were rumors in 2021 about the possibility of Yeezy going public, no IPO has materialized yet. However, the brand’s massive success and West’s global influence make an eventual IPO a plausible scenario. Given the rise of fashion brands tapping into the public markets, an IPO could be a significant moment for the fashion industry, especially for influencer-driven brands.
Despite the ups and downs in West’s personal and professional life, the continued demand for Yeezy products keeps the brand at the forefront of fashion culture. If Yeezy does choose to go public, it would further cement the growing influence of celebrities in the world of high finance.
Summary: Celebrities Driving Business Innovation
The rise of celebrity-founded companies going public—or considering public listings—illustrates the shifting dynamics of the entertainment and business worlds. Celebrities are no longer simply endorsing products or lending their names to marketing campaigns. They are building billion-dollar brands, forming strategic partnerships, and navigating mergers and acquisitions with the acumen of seasoned entrepreneurs.
As companies like SKIMS, Savage X Fenty, and TIDAL continue to push boundaries, the influence of public figures on M&A and IPO activity is set to grow. Investors and consumers alike are paying attention, knowing that these celebrity-driven ventures are not just passing trends, but serious players in the modern business landscape.
Published by: Josh Tatunay
