YouTube sensation MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, is reportedly in discussions to raise a couple hundred million dollars to expand his growing business empire.
The funding round, if successful, would value his company at approximately $5 billion, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Donaldson, widely regarded as the most influential creator on YouTube, has been in talks with financial firms and high-net-worth individuals about potential investments. While negotiations are still in the early stages and no final agreements have been reached, the funding is expected to fuel expansion in both his media and consumer goods businesses.
MrBeast has built a multi-faceted brand beyond his viral YouTube videos, which attract hundreds of millions of views per upload. The funding round is aimed at strengthening a holding company that controls his diverse business interests, including Feastables, his chocolate and snack brand, Lunchly, a newer snack company and MrBeast’s video production company, which oversees his large-scale YouTube projects.
According to sources, Donaldson’s businesses generated over $400 million in sales last year.
The potential $5 billion valuation showed the growing recognition of content creators as serious business moguls.
Unlike traditional celebrities, digital-first entrepreneurs like MrBeast have a direct connection with millions of engaged followers, offering unique opportunities for brand expansion and monetization.
Donaldson has previously raised funds from investment firms, including New York-based Alpha Wave Global, and has been involved in high-profile business moves, such as a reported bid to buy TikTok.
Beyond YouTube and consumer products, MrBeast has also expanded into traditional media, launching an unscripted series on Amazon Prime Video. The first season of Beast Games was the most-watched unscripted show on Prime Video, but Donaldson admitted that production costs spiraled beyond the initial $100 million budget, causing him to lose tens of millions of dollars on the project.
Despite the financial setback, Amazon has committed to producing two additional seasons with over $250 million expected to be invested.
However, the budget for future episodes remains under negotiation.
While Donaldson’s Feastables brand has flourished, his MrBeast Burger venture has been entangled in a legal dispute with his business partner. The virtual restaurant concept, which launched with high demand, faced customer complaints over food quality, prompting Donaldson to seek termination of the deal.
MrBeast’s latest funding push signals a new era for digital entrepreneurs, where creators leverage their platforms to build billion-dollar enterprises. If the investment materializes, Donaldson will solidify his position as one of the most commercially successful influencers in the world, bridging the gap between entertainment, commerce and venture capital.
Investors are now closely watching how one of YouTube’s biggest names navigates the complexities of business growth, strategic expansion, and long-term sustainability.
