50 Cent’s Vitaminwater Investment Nets Estimated $100 Million in Coca-Cola Buyout

Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson’s savvy business instincts turned a chance encounter at a Los Angeles gym into a multi-million-dollar payday—and cemented his reputation as more than just a rap icon. In 2004, 50 Cent became a minority shareholder in Glacéau, the company behind the popular Vitaminwater brand, a move that paid off handsomely when Coca-Cola acquired Glacéau for $4.1 billion in 2007.

Unlike typical celebrity endorsements, 50 Cent’s involvement went beyond just lending his name. Enthralled by the product’s unique appeal—he once remarked, “they do such a good job making water taste good”—he negotiated equity in the company and collaborated to create “Formula 50,” a grape-flavored Vitaminwater variant. His influence helped boost the brand’s profile, with sales reportedly soaring from $100 million to $700 million in just three years.

The acquisition by Coca-Cola marked a pivotal moment. Multiple reliable sources—including Yahoo Finance, Forbes, and AfroTech—estimate that 50 Cent earned approximately $100 million from his stake in the company, a figure that, while varying in some reports, remains the most widely cited. His financial gain was a testament to his long-term vision and willingness to engage deeply in business deals rather than simply acting as a spokesperson.

50 Cent himself has emphasized the significance of the $4.1 billion deal rather than focusing solely on his personal earnings, highlighting a broader entrepreneurial mindset. His success with Vitaminwater has since inspired other artists navigating endorsement and investment deals, such as Flo Rida, whose legal battles drew comparisons to 50 Cent’s pioneering partnership.

This Vitaminwater chapter stands as a defining example of 50 Cent’s business acumen, demonstrating how strategic investments coupled with celebrity influence can generate substantial returns. It also showcases how a star known for his music and film career has skillfully expanded into the business world, leveraging opportunities to build lasting wealth.

As of May 2025, 50 Cent’s Vitaminwater venture remains a landmark case study in celebrity entrepreneurship, illustrating the potential of smart investments to transform careers and fortunes beyond the entertainment industry.