The Businesses and Investments That Built Drake‘s Empire

When you think of Drake, you probably think of hit songs like "Hotline Bling" and "God‘s Plan". But beyond his chart-topping music career, Drake has stealthily built an impressive business empire worth over $250 million. He‘s done this by making smart investments across industries – from restaurants to real estate to tech startups. Here‘s an in-depth look at how Aubrey Drake Graham became one of the richest artists and savviest businessman in hip hop.

The Keys to Drake‘s Business Success

Before diving into the specific companies Drake owns, it‘s helpful to understand his overall strategy. Despite being only 35 years old, Drake has developed an intuitive business sense when evaluating investment opportunities.

"I‘m trying to make as much money as possible off of things that make people feel good about life," Drake told WNYC radio host Jessica Gomez.

He prefers to invest in brands and ideas that reflect his lifestyle and values. Drake also takes a long-term approach – he‘s focused on assets that will continue growing in value over decades, not just quick cash.

This shrewd approach has led Drake to own stakes in over a dozen companies across music, food, alcohol, tech, gaming, sports and real estate. Let‘s analyze his most prominent and lucrative investments.

OVO: Drake‘s Record Label and Clothing Empire

One of Drake‘s flagship assets is October‘s Very Own (OVO), which encompasses his record label OVO Sound and OVO clothing brand. He co-founded OVO in 2012 with producer Noah "40" Shebib and business partner Oliver El-Khatib.

Drake owns 60% of the OVO company. In 2021, Forbes estimated OVO‘s total value at $50 million. He likely collects additional revenue from:

• OVO record releases – Drake‘s albums plus artists like dvsn, Roy Woods, Majid Jordan
• OVO clothing and apparel sales – from hoodies to collaborations with Canada Goose
• Live events – OVO Fest concert in Toronto draws huge crowds

OVO serves as the foundation of Drake‘s empire – it‘s the brand he uses to launch new business ventures and partnerships.

Restaurant Investments: Dave‘s Hot Chicken, Pick 6ix, and More

Over the past few years, Drake has shown an appetite for the food and beverage industry. His most prominent investment is in Dave‘s Hot Chicken – Drake acquired a undisclosed minority stake in the growing restaurant chain in 2020.

Since Drake came onboard as an investor, Dave‘s Hot Chicken has exploded from 7 to 25 locations in the U.S. and Canada. Industry experts predict the chain could expand to up to 300 franchised units in coming years.

Closer to home, Drake also opened a fast casual restaurant called Pick 6ix in Toronto, combining sports bar and chicken shop themes. Unfortunately, Pick 6ix closed down a year later during the pandemic.

Other Drake dining ventures include:

• Former co-owner of Virginia Black whiskey lounge (now closed)
• Investor in Los Angeles restaurant The Nice Guy
• Frequently hosts parties at Delilah nightclub in West Hollywood

Although not all Drake‘s restaurant deals have panned out, he‘s demonstrated a passion in the hospitality sector. With Dave‘s Hot Chicken taking off, he has a winning food concept to expand for years to come.

NBA‘s Toronto Raptors: Drake‘s Hometown Team

Drake‘s biggest power move was becoming an official owner of the Toronto Raptors NBA franchise in 2021. He invested alongside owners Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment in a deal valuing the Raptors at $2.9 billion.

This satisfies Drake‘s "life-long goal" of owning a professional basketball team in his native city. Drake also gets to keep his "global ambassador" role with the Raptors – expect more viral moments like Drake massaging Nick Nurse‘s shoulders during games.

How did Drake pull off getting equity in a major sports franchise? His world-famous brand provides huge marketing value for the Raptors. Not to mention Drake‘s deep pockets – his net worth is estimated at $250 million and rising fast.

Buying into the NBA also expands Drake‘s business network. The league‘s owners include billionaires like Steve Ballmer, Mark Cuban, LeBron James and Michael Jordan. Drake is poised to learn from their elite entrepreneurship skills.

Liquid Asset: Virginia Black Whiskey

Virginia Black whiskey combines two of Drake‘s passions – spirits and fancy cars (the logo features a woman and muscle car). He partnered with spirits guru Brent Hocking in 2016 to develop the bourbon brand.

Although Drake sold his equity share in Virginia Black in 2021, the press release states he and Hocking will "continue to strategically work together". So don‘t be surprised if Drake promotes more new Virginia Black releases moving forward.

During his 5-year ownership, Virginia Black grew from a small batch bourbon to selling over 100,000 nine-liter cases globally in 2021.

The brand helped solidify Drake‘s reputation as a savvy investor – and parties at his former Virginia Black whiskey lounge were the hottest invite in town.

Tech Investor: 100 Thieves, Finesse and More

Beyond traditional industries, Drake also sees opportunity in tech and gaming. He‘s made multiple investments through his VC firm DreamCrew:

• 100 Thieves – Drake and Scooter Braun co-own part of this popular esports gaming franchise.

• Finesse – Drake was part of a $10 million Series A funding round for this text-based skincare startup.

Other investments include backing a social media app called Shae and fitness technology company Ladder. Partnering with Silicon Valley investors like Apple CEO Tim Cook has been fruitful for Drake.

VC research firms estimate startups with celebrity investors raise as much as 4 times more capital and achieve higher valuations. So look for Drake to continue supporting promising young entrepreneurs.

Real Estate: Mansions in Toronto, Los Angeles and More

What‘s a multimillionaire celebrity without multiple lavish mansions? Drake has amassed an A-list real estate portfolio across North America:

Toronto

• Custom 35,000 square foot mansion in ritzy Bridle Path neighborhood ($6.7 million)
• Massive condo at Yorkville Sky Gardens ($4.5 million)

Los Angeles

• Hidden Hills compound with swimming pool, tennis court, home theater ($20 million)
• Robbie Williams‘ former Beverly Hills estate ($14.8 million)

Drake also reportedly owns properties in Miami and his native Memphis. With a net worth of a quarter billion and counting, expect Drake to continue buying real estate in elite destinations.

The Bottom Line: Drake‘s Keys to Business Success

Drake has transitioned seamlessly from child actor to rap superstar to business magnate with a personal net worth rivaling jay-Z and Dr. Dre. What lessons can we learn from Drake‘s diverse success?

Invest in your passions – whether it‘s basketball, whiskey or chicken wings, invest in areas you know and love.

Partner with experienced mentors – from NBA owners to restaurant founders, align yourself with people who are the best in their field to learn.

Take risks while you‘re young – unlike older billionaires, Drake has the luxury of rolling the dice on riskier, emerging ideas.

Do deals that align with your brand – Drake wisely chooses ventures that reflect his lifestyle and that he can organically promote to his audience.

Think long-term – acquire assets like real estate and equity stakes that will appreciate over decades and compound your wealth.

Stay humble and hungry – despite all his success, Drake maintains a tireless work ethic and seems eager to keep expanding his portfolio.

At only 35 years old, Drake potentially has 50+ more years of dealmaking and investing ahead of him. I predict he will become hip hop‘s first billionaire within the next decade by continuing on this accelerated growth path.