Investing in emerging tech companies is becoming a trend for those in the spotlight wishing to stay hip and maintain their edge. This fad could very well be the business equivalent of carrying around a tiny canine in one’s purse. Snarky reactions aside, it can be an exciting way to grow a small empire and sometimes leads to big payouts.
The latest high profile tech investor to throw down some capital is Jada Pinkett Smith, star of films such as Scream 2, The Matrix, and the animated Madagascar. The wife of Men In Black star Will Smith recently made an investment in Norwegian firm, Bipper. The company produces an app called bSafe which allows parents to track where their kids are through GPS and has panic button that notifies 911 and family members when trouble arises. Another feature shows parents what apps, contacts, and emails their children are using or viewing.
“Bipper is my first technology investment, and I chose it because I saw the potential to solve real problems for kids, parents, and anyone looking to increase their overall safety,” she said.
The app was designed by Silje Vallestad, a mother who was concerned about monitoring her children. The product is used by over 200,000 women in Norway and has so far raised over $4 million in growth capital.
Source: Forbeswoman.com
