Ryan Reynolds is not just a Hollywood heartthrob. He is a savvy entrepreneur with a knack for spotting opportunities. Over the past decade, the actor has built an impressive portfolio of businesses that are as entertaining as they are lucrative. From owning a historic football club to making waves in the telecom and investment worlds, Ryan Reynold’s businesses are a masterclass in diversifying while staying cool.
Here are the top five companies this charismatic star owns, proving he’s not just an A-list actor but a powerhouse in the business world.
Wrexham AFC
Ryan Reynolds made headlines in November 2020 when he and fellow actor Rob McElhenney purchased Wrexham AFC, a struggling Welsh football club, for about $2.5 million. Why would a Hollywood star buy a lower-division team? Simple: Reynolds saw potential, whereas others saw challenges.
Since the purchase, Wrexham has enjoyed a massive turnaround thanks to Reynolds’ relentless promotion and investment. The club’s story has been chronicled in the hit series “Welcome to Wrexham,” which has brought global attention to the team. Reynolds is emotionally invested, attending games and interacting with fans.
Maximum Effort
Ryan Reynolds co-founded Maximum Effort in 2018 with George Dewey, blending his humor and marketing instincts to create a powerhouse production company and ad agency. The company’s name is a nod to Reynolds’ beloved “Deadpool” character. But its reach goes far beyond film.
Maximum Effort has produced movies, TV shows, and some of the most viral ad campaigns in recent years. From Mint Mobile commercials to quirky Aviation Gin promotions (another Reynolds-owned brand he later sold), Maximum Effort turns every project into a sensation.
Mint Mobile Is Also One of Ryan Reynold’s Businesses!
In 2019, Ryan Reynolds bought a 25% stake in Mint Mobile, a prepaid wireless company that champions affordability and simplicity. Reynolds first connected with the brand through its founder, David Glickman, during their work for a Parkinson’s research foundation. Drawn to its underdog story, Reynolds decided to go all in.
Under his guidance, Mint Mobile’s revenue skyrocketed, growing by an eye-popping 50,000% over three years. The actor’s humorous commercials and personal endorsements played a key role in the brand’s success. In May 2024, T-Mobile acquired Mint Mobile for $1.3 billion, earning Reynolds an estimated $300 million payout.
Despite the sale, Reynolds will stay involved, ensuring Mint Mobile retains its distinctive voice.
Alpine F1
In 2023, Ryan Reynolds joined a group of investors to purchase a 24% stake in the Formula 1 team Alpine. Known for his love of storytelling, Reynolds viewed this move as more than a financial investment. It was a chance to bring excitement and innovation to one of the world’s most prestigious motorsports.
His knack for branding and audience engagement is already showing results, helping to make Formula 1 even more appealing to a younger, global fanbase. For Reynolds, Alpine represents a perfect mix of speed, thrill, and a bit of Hollywood flair.
Wealthsimple
Ryan Reynolds is also an investor in Wealthsimple, a Canadian online investment platform that aims to make wealth management accessible to everyone. In 2021, Wealthsimple raised $750 million from major venture capital firms and celebrity backers, including Reynolds, Drake, and NBA stars Dwight Powell and Kelly Olynyk.
Wealthsimple’s mission aligns perfectly with Reynolds’ ethos of making the complicated simple and fun. As an outspoken advocate for the brand, Reynolds has helped bring a touch of relatability to the world of investing. His involvement has boosted Wealthsimple’s visibility. Thus, it proves that financial services can be approachable – even with Hollywood attached.
