MrBeast of YouTube seeks $5bn evaluation for brand

MrBeast, YouTube's most popular creator, is seeking to raise hundreds of millions of dollars in a funding round that would value his company at approximately $5 billion. The 26-year-old American YouTuber, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, aims to expand his already profitable business empire, which includes brands like Feastables chocolates, Lunchly snacks, and his video production company.

This move comes as YouTube continues to dominate the streaming landscape. In 2024, YouTube generated $42.5 billion in revenue, with projections showing it will reach $45.6 billion in 2025. However, Netflix is expected to surpass YouTube in total video revenue for the first time in 2025, reaching $46.2 billion.

MrBeast's business is already thriving, having generated over $400 million in sales last year. His net worth is estimated at $85 million, making him one of the richest digital creators globally. With over 500 million followers across various social media platforms, MrBeast's influence extends far beyond YouTube.

Interestingly, MrBeast has been making inroads into the Indian market. In November 2024, he visited India to launch his chocolate brand, Feastables. Earlier that year, he collaborated with 14 top Indian creators, including CarryMinati, on a comedy series called "Mr Beast Parody ft Indian Creators." This engagement with India's creator community and market expansion demonstrates MrBeast's global ambitions and the potential for further growth in one of the world's largest consumer markets.