Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal, renowned content creators and hosts of the popular YouTube show “Good Mythical Morning,” have established themselves as pioneers in the social media market. Their immense success, earning $30 million (£23.4 million) in 2022, has propelled them to the top ranks of YouTubers. 

As the creator economy surpasses $100 billion (£78 billion) in value, venture capitalists are recognising the potential of individual creators as investment opportunities. McLaughlin and Neal, who have built Mythical Entertainment, an internet-based entertainment studio, are reinvesting their earnings and lessons learned by launching a $5 million (£3.9 million) accelerator fund. 

This fund aims to empower and support aspiring creators, providing them with equity investments, partnerships, and valuable advice.

Expanding Mythical Entertainment

Mythical Entertainment, the brainchild of McLaughlin and Neal, has evolved into an internet-based entertainment studio hosting multiple notable channels, including Mythical Kitchen and Smosh. 

These channels, along with others, have generated an impressive total of over 27 billion lifetime views on YouTube. The success of their ventures and their belief in the potential of creators in the industry prompted McLaughlin and Neal to expand their reach and impact.

The Creator Accelerator Fund

In 2021, McLaughlin and Neal established the Creator Accelerator Fund with a $5 million investment. Their objective was to invest in other creators, not only through monetary means but also by providing invaluable partnerships and guidance. 

Recognising the desire of creators to build businesses larger than themselves, McLaughlin expressed the importance of teams and systems to achieve such goals. The accelerator fund serves as a means to directly invest in up-and-coming YouTubers, primarily focusing on those with long-term potential on the alphabet-owned platform.

Investments in Promising Creators

As part of their commitment to fostering new talent, McLaughlin and Neal have already made investments in two creators: commentator Jarvis Johnson and musician Daniel Thrasher. Both individuals share a common vision of expanding their independent businesses. 

Since joining the Mythical accelerator, Johnson has experienced a substantial increase in his YouTube view count, totaling nearly 60 million. Similarly, Thrasher’s music career has flourished, transitioning from touring to starring in the upcoming Amazon Freevee show, “Dinner with the Parents.”

Future Growth and Collaborations

The Mythical accelerator fund, although currently limited to McLaughlin and Neal’s investments, holds the potential to attract outside investors in the future. Discussions regarding amplifying and expanding the fund are in the exploratory stage. 

This demonstrates the growing interest from venture capitalists (VC) and industry insiders in supporting creators and tapping into the business opportunities presented by the creator economy. Additionally, VC firm Slow Ventures has already launched its own creator fund, offering investments ranging from $100,000 (£78,000) to $5 million (£3.9 million) in exchange for future earnings rights.

Some Advantages of The Creator Accelerator Fund

The establishment of Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal’s Creator Accelerator Fund brings forth numerous advantages for up-and-coming creators in the digital space. 

Firstly, the fund provides much-needed financial support through equity investments, allowing creators to pursue their passions and projects without the burden of financial constraints. 

Secondly, the partnerships offered by McLaughlin and Neal, or similar investers, open doors to collaboration and networking opportunities within the industry, enabling creators to connect with like-minded individuals and expand their reach. 

Additionally, the invaluable advice and guidance provided by experienced content creators can help new creators navigate the challenges of building and scaling their businesses in the creator economy. 

By leveraging their own success and expertise, McLaughlin and Neal empower aspiring creators to unlock their full potential and achieve long-term success in an increasingly competitive landscape.

What are Some Potential Disadvantages?

While Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal’s Creator Accelerator Fund offers significant advantages, it’s important to consider potential drawbacks as well. One potential disadvantage is the possibility of a limited pool of resources within the fund. 

With a fixed $5 million investment, there may be limitations on the number of creators that can be supported, potentially leaving many talented individuals without access to funding and guidance. 

Moreover, the fund’s focus on YouTubers and the Alphabet-owned platform may unintentionally exclude creators from other platforms, limiting the opportunities for a more diverse range of content creators. 

Additionally, the involvement of outside investors in the future could potentially lead to changes in the fund’s structure and objectives, potentially diluting the original vision of McLaughlin and Neal. 

Therefore, careful management and consideration of these potential disadvantages are crucial to ensure that the fund continues to effectively support and empower a wide range of creators in the ever-evolving creator economy.

Conclusion

Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal, as successful content creators themselves, are utilising their platform and earnings to empower and uplift aspiring creators through their accelerator fund. 

By sharing their experiences, making strategic investments, and offering guidance, they aim to help creators build lucrative businesses in the ever-expanding creator economy. 

As venture capitalists increasingly recognise the investment potential in individual creators, McLaughlin and Neal’s efforts represent a significant step toward fostering innovation and growth in the industry.