Hollywood's A-listers are trading in their scripts for term sheets, as a growing number of celebrities are becoming venture capitalists. The latest trend in Tinseltown sees stars like Olivia Wilde, Emma Watson, and Snoop Dogg launching their own venture firms or investing in startups, bringing a touch of glamour to the tech industry.

This phenomenon is not limited to just a few isolated cases. According to PitchBook, a leading provider of venture capital data, celebrities like Kevin Hart, Paris Hilton, and Ashton Kutcher have made significant investments in various startups, with some even launching their own venture firms. The trend is not only about the glamour of Hollywood but also about the potential for substantial returns on investment.

For founders, having a celebrity on the cap table can bring a lot of buzz to the startup. It's not just about the investment; it's about the marketing potential and the network effects that come with having a well-known figure associated with the company. Take, for example, Snoop Dogg's investment in cannabis-focused companies through his firm Casa Verde Capital. The rapper's involvement has undoubtedly brought attention to the industry and opened doors for other investors.

Other celebrities, like the Foster sisters, Sara and Erin, have launched their own venture firm, Favorite Daughter, focused on consumer companies. They have already written checks to companies like Kudos, a diaper brand, and Juliet, a luxury boxed wine company. The sisters' involvement in the consumer space is not surprising, given their background in producing and their own podcast, clothing line, and hit television show.

Kevin Hart's venture firm, HartBeat Ventures, is another example of a celebrity-backed investment vehicle. Founded in 2021, the firm has invested in at least 14 companies, including the art marketplace Masterworks and Rihanna's Savage x Fenty lingerie line. HartBeat Ventures has also received outside investment from J.P. Morgan as part of the bank's initiative to fund more firms led by women and people of color.

Ashton Kutcher, one of the most well-known celebrity venture capitalists, has co-founded two VC firms, A-Grade and Sound Ventures. Sound Ventures, founded in 2015, has over $1 billion in assets under management and has invested in companies like Affirm, Airbnb, and Uber. Kutcher has also spoken about his investment strategy, stating that he believes there is room for multiple massive AI model companies.

Nas, the famed rapper, has founded QueensBridge Venture Partners, which has made over 130 investments across various industries and has around $140 million in assets under management. As an angel investor, Nas has backed companies like SeatGeek, Robinhood, and Coinbase.

Gwyneth Paltrow, the Goop founder, has made at least 24 investments as an angel investor and has co-founded Kinship Ventures, which invests in consumer and wellness companies. Emma Watson, the actress, has cut at least two angel investor checks, investing in companies like FabricNano and Hertility Health. Olivia Wilde, actress and director, has teamed up with Neil Sirni to launch the venture firm Proximity, which will focus on consumer and enterprise technology.

This trend of celebrities becoming venture capitalists is not only about the money; it's also about the influence and network effects that come with having a well-known figure associated with a startup. As the tech industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how this phenomenon shapes the future of venture capital and startup investing.

In conclusion, Hollywood's latest obsession with venture capital is not just a fleeting trend; it's a sign of the growing intersection between technology and entertainment. As more celebrities enter the venture capital space, it will be fascinating to see how their involvement impacts the startup ecosystem and the tech industry as a whole.