How a ‘TikTok doctorate’ made 26-year-old Griffin Johnson a venture capitalist

In February 2019, Griffin Johnson was a junior in college, studying nursing and working in a steel factory. Six years later, he’s co-founder of Animal Capital, a venture fund, a journey he credits almost entirely to TikTok and the connections he’s made along the way. Johnson built a TikTok audience around “complaining about student life,” he told Digiday (at the time of writing, he has 9.5 million followers on TikTok and 3 million on Instagram). After building that following, Johnson met a group of two other like-minded creators through the platform and decided to buy a house together, starting the now-infamous TikTok content house — dubbed Sway House — in January 2020. “Our investment paid off, because two months later, COVID hit and TikTok booms,” Johnson said. “This is where it really all began in terms of the TikTok creator economy.”

Sway House was like a TikTok frat house: their content often involved several members doing dance trends or lip-syncing to funny audio, while neighbors reported regular food deliveries, the sound of paintball guns firing in the morning, “chug chants,” and more. The house became a hub for creators, and its residents, including Johnson, gained significant popularity. The platform’s rapid growth during the pandemic allowed creators like Johnson to monetize their content and build a strong brand.

Johnson’s TikTok success led him to explore new opportunities. In 2021, he left nursing school to focus on his entrepreneurial ventures. He co-founded Animal Capital, a venture fund that invests in early-stage companies, particularly those in the creative and tech sectors. The firm’s name is a nod to the Sway House’s “animal” theme, which included a pet llama and other quirky elements.

Animal Capital’s unique approach to venture capital stems from Johnson’s background in both the creative and business worlds. He combines his marketing expertise, honed through his TikTok career, with his understanding of the startup ecosystem. The firm has invested in companies such as TikTok-based marketing agency, TikTok Pro, and creative platform, TikTok Motion.

Johnson’s journey from a steel factory worker to a venture capitalist is a testament to the power of social media and the creative economy. His ability to leverage TikTok’s platform to build a following and forge connections has been instrumental in his success. Johnson’s story also highlights the growing influence of social media on entrepreneurship and the business world.

In addition to his work at Animal Capital, Johnson remains active in the Derby community. He has used his platform to promote the sport and connect with fans. His involvement in the Derby world showcases his versatility and ability to adapt his skills to different industries.

Griffin Johnson’s “TikTok doctorate” has not only transformed his personal life but also shaped his career trajectory. His story is a reminder of the opportunities that arise when individuals leverage their unique experiences and connections in innovative ways. As the creator economy continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how Johnson and other creators like him will shape the future of business and entrepreneurship.