Actress, activist, entrepreneur, and style icon, Cara Delevingne is one of the most recognizable faces in the world, having appeared in campaigns for fashion brands such as Chanel, Christian Dior, and Puma, as well as in Amazon Prime’s Carnival Row and various films. As a singer and drummer, Delevingne has collaborated with Pharrell Williams and Fiona Apple, and as an entrepreneur, she launched a Prosecco label, Della Vite, alongside her sisters, Chloe and Poppy. It’s set to launch in the U.S. in the fall of 2021.
With a massive following of more than 43 million on Instagram and over 9 million on Twitter, Delevingne, notably, uses her platform to speak out on important issues. She has established herself as an influential voice for the LGBTQIA+ community, mental health issues, women’s rights, and environmental conservation, and has cofounded education-for-action platform EcoResolution to encourage people to help prevent climate change and ecological crises.
A strong proponent of sex positivity, Delevingne’s passion for sexual empowerment led her to take on a new entrepreneurial endeavor, becoming a co-owner and creative adviser of sex-tech startup Lora DiCarlo in 2020. She is also set to begin production on a docuseries for Hulu and the BBC that focuses on sexual identity around the globe.
- Startup: Lora DiCarlo
- Location: Bend, Ore.
- Year founded: 2017
- Valuation: $40 million
- Investment level: Co-owner
- Number of employees: 22
Why she invested, in her own words
I didn’t invest in Lora DiCarlo because it was a startup; it was because the company was the only women-led and femme-focused brand in the sex tech space that is really pushing the conversation around sexual wellness for everyone. They continue to lead the conversation surrounding sexual wellness, sexual empowerment, and the destigmatization of self-pleasure.
To invest, I have to align with a brand’s messaging and values. That’s really important for me.
I found out about Lora DiCarlo back in 2019, and the brand really resonated with me. I was impressed with how [founder] Lora DiCarlo was promoting a positive message surrounding sexuality, sexual health, and wellness. I also am so fascinated by the brand’s focus on robotics and function. It’s so innovative and different from what is being offered in the market.
The sex tech space has come such a long way, and Lora has played such a big role in filling the gap in the market by creating products that are gender-inclusive. She’s also a big advocate in the wellness space. Lora has made such a name for herself as someone who, more or less, defies the norms, and I just have immense respect for her.
Working with Lora DiCarlo has been such a fun experience and one of my favorite things that I’ve done. I’ve had a hand in many elements from marketing strategies to product development. I’m excited to continue working with our amazing team. I hope to use my voice and platform to continue to amplify the brand’s messaging and encourage everyone to take pleasure into their own hands. And, of course, continue creating innovative products that people love and enjoy!
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This is an installment of Why I Invested, a series featuring famous investors from all different backgrounds and industries, revealing what inspired them to invest their own money in a new business.
