Internet sensation Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, has successfully established an entertainment empire valued at over $5 billion.
His unique approach combines YouTube popularity with large-scale philanthropy. His company, Beast Industries, has been recognized in Fortune’s 2025 Change the World list.
Donaldson’s journey to stardom started with YouTube videos featuring charitable acts. Today, he is one of the biggest internet celebrities with 435 million subscribers and over 95 billion views. His business portfolio includes a lucrative Amazon TV deal, a snack company worth millions, and an upcoming novel.
As per the report by Fortune, Donaldson’s philanthropic endeavors through his nonprofit, Beast Philanthropy, are noteworthy.
He has donated over $300 million in food, $5 million to Ukrainian refugees, and $500,000 in school supplies and technology. Additionally, he has funded 2,000 prosthetics, 100 cleft palate surgeries, and 600 e-bikes for those in need.
Recently, Donaldson joined forces with creator Mark Rober for the #TeamWater campaign, raising over $41 million to supply clean drinking water in Africa and Southeast Asia. Prominent companies like Google, TikTok, and Accenture made substantial contributions to the campaign.
Also Read: MrBeast Overhauls Tesla Giveaway Strategy as Beast Industries Shakes Up Leadership
Despite running at a net loss for the past three years, Beast Industries continues to expand. CEO Jeff Housenbold, a Silicon Valley veteran, believes the company’s dedication to large-scale giving is a critical factor in audience growth and revenue generation.
Donaldson’s media ventures, including his YouTube channels and TV show, generated an estimated $250 million in revenue in 2024 but reported a net loss of nearly $80 million. However, Feastables, a chocolate product line launched in 2022, turned a profit of over $20 million.
Despite the hurdles, Donaldson remains steadfast in his mission of merging capitalism with altruism, saying, “A world where I help people is just more fun than a world where I don’t.”
Donaldson’s unique blend of entertainment and philanthropy has not only built a successful business but also made a significant impact on society.
His dedication to giving back, even at the expense of profits, sets a new precedent for how businesses can operate with a social conscience. This approach has earned him a massive following, proving that a business model centered around generosity can be both popular and profitable.
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Image: Shutterstock/Joe Seer
