MrBeast seeks funding at a $5 billion valuation

New Delhi: Jimmy Donaldson, better known as YouTube content creator MrBeast, is reportedly aiming to raise hundreds of millions of dollars in a funding round that would value his business empire at $5 billion. 

The news, first reported by Bloomberg, highlights Donaldson’s ambitious plans to expand his media and consumer goods ventures, even after admitting to losing “tens of millions” of his own money on the high-profile reality show.

MrBeast, the most subscribed creator on YouTube with over 338 million followers, has built a multifaceted business that includes his video production company, the chocolate brand Feastables, and the snack line Lunchly. 

Sources familiar with the matter say the 26-year-old is in early-stage talks with financial firms and wealthy individuals to secure the investment, which would fuel growth in his packaged goods and media operations. The business reportedly generated over $400 million in sales last year, underscoring its profitability and potential.

The funding push comes on the heels of Donaldson’s costly foray into television with Beast Games,” a 10-episode Amazon Prime series that pitted 1,000 contestants against each other for a record-breaking $5 million prize—later doubled to $10 million on a coin flip. 

While Amazon committed $100 million to the project, Donaldson revealed on the Diary of a CEO podcast that he poured far more into production, saying, “I lost tens of millions of dollars on Beast Games, but it’s about making Season 1 as good as possible.” 

The show became Amazon’s most-watched unscripted series ever, racking up 50 million views in its first 25 days, yet the YouTube star’s personal investment left him with a hefty financial loss.

Despite the setback, Donaldson’s empire remains a hot prospect for investors. The proposed $5 billion valuation reflects confidence in his ability to scale his brand, which thrives on viral stunts, massive giveaways, and a growing presence in retail. 

Amazon has greenlit additional seasons of Beast Games, with an original agreement to invest over $250 million across two more seasons, though budgets are still under negotiation. 

Meanwhile, Donaldson maintains a lean personal financial approach, claiming he keeps less than $1 million in his bank account despite being a billionaire “on paper,” reinvesting most profits back into his ventures. “Money is fuel to grow business,” he told podcast host Steven Bartlett, emphasising his focus on long-term impact over short-term gains.