Not everyone is born into a billionaire family. While some people inherit private jets and trust funds, others build empires from the ground up and do it before they hit 40. The young self-made billionaires on this list didn’t just stumble into success. They spotted opportunities, took risks, and used their brains, creativity, and bold ideas to flip entire industries.
From AI and tech to beauty and fitness, these innovators proved that age is just a number when it comes to making a mark and a fortune. If you’re looking for some serious motivation (and maybe a little friendly jealousy), you’re in the right place.
Let’s meet the 10 youngest self-made billionaires who turned their hustle into billions.
Alexandr Wang – Age 28, USA – Founder & CEO of Scale AI
Net Worth: $2 Billion
Alexandr Wang grew up in New Mexico, the son of physicists. He was a math whiz from a young age and started competing in coding and math competitions as a teen. At 17, he was already working at Quora. Two years later, he dropped out of MIT to build Scale AI with co-founder Lucy Guo.
The idea was simple but powerful: help companies train their AI models by providing high-quality labeled data. Back then, artificial intelligence was taking off, but many companies didn’t have the clean data needed to power it. Scale filled that gap and fast.
Their biggest break came when big names like OpenAI and the U.S. Air Force started using Scale to speed up their AI training. From autonomous vehicles to defense tech, Scale’s data labeling became the engine behind some of the biggest players in AI.
By age 25, Wang became the world’s youngest self-made billionaire. Not by inventing AI, but by making it usable for companies to innovate. He rode the AI wave and moved it forward.
Pearl Kapur – Age 28, India – Founder & CEO of Zyber 365
Net Worth: $1.1 Billion
Pearl Kapur didn’t come from tech royalty, but he quickly made a name for himself in one of the fastest-growing sectors in India. After earning a master’s degree in Investment Banking from Queen Mary University of London, he returned home and began working in finance and business advisory roles. It wasn’t long before he decided to build something of his own.
In 2023, he co-founded Zyber 365, a Web3 and AI-based cybersecurity company. The idea was to create a secure, decentralized ecosystem that combined cutting-edge blockchain with AI-driven solutions for businesses. Within three months, Zyber 365 hit unicorn status after raising $100 million in Series A funding. That deal valued the company at $1.2 billion.
Kapur, who retained a 90% stake in the company, suddenly found himself worth over $1.1 billion, making him India’s youngest self-made billionaire. The company’s rapid rise was fueled by its focus on scalable, enterprise-grade blockchain infrastructure, as well as products like autonomous retail checkout systems.
Kapur didn’t just jump on the Web3 bandwagon. He built a business around what many still consider a risky frontier and convinced investors to bet big.
Palmer Luckey – Age 32, USA – Founder of Oculus VR & Anduril Industries
Net Worth: $2.45 Billion
Palmer Luckey’s journey from a homeschooled teenager in Long Beach, California, to a tech billionaire is a testament to innovation and resilience. At 18, he began experimenting with virtual reality headsets in his parents’ garage, leading to the creation of the Oculus Rift. In 2012, he launched a Kickstarter campaign that raised $2.4 million, capturing the attention of the tech world. Two years later, Facebook acquired Oculus VR for $2 billion, catapulting Luckey into the spotlight.
However, his tenure at Facebook was short-lived. In 2017, following a controversial political donation, Luckey departed the company. Undeterred, he founded Anduril Industries, a defense technology firm specializing in AI-powered surveillance systems and autonomous drones. Anduril quickly secured significant contracts, including a $1 billion investment for a new factory in Ohio and a $22 billion project previously held by Microsoft.
As of April 2025, Luckey’s net worth is estimated at $2.45 billion, placing him among the world’s youngest self-made billionaires. Beyond his professional achievements, he’s known for his eccentric lifestyle, which includes a vast collection of military memorabilia and the world’s largest video game archive housed in an underground missile base.
Selena Gomez – Age 32, USA – Singer, Actress, and Founder of Rare Beauty
Net Worth: $1.3 Billion
Selena Gomez first captured hearts as a child star on Barney & Friends, but it was her role in Wizards of Waverly Place that catapulted her to fame. From there, she made a transition to music, topping charts with her band Selena Gomez & the Scene. But it wasn’t until 2020 that she truly disrupted the beauty industry with her cosmetics line, Rare Beauty.
The brand focused on inclusivity, offering makeup products designed to fit every skin tone. Gomez’s personal touch emphasizing self-acceptance and natural beauty resonated with consumers, and Rare Beauty quickly became a top player in the space. Within a short time, the company was valued in the billions, and by 2024, Gomez herself had crossed the billionaire threshold.
Rare Beauty’s rise was fueled by Gomez’s authenticity and active role in its development. Beyond cosmetics, Selena has also made smart investments in real estate and expanded her career into producing, particularly with her hit Hulu show Only Murders in the Building. Today, Selena’s diverse ventures and business savvy have made her a self-made billionaire, proving that she’s more than just a singer and actress.
Andy Fang – Age 33, USA – Co-founder & Head of Consumer Engineering at DoorDash
Net Worth: $1.5 Billion
Andy Fang, born in 1992 in San Jose, California, is a Taiwanese-American tech entrepreneur and co-founder of DoorDash, a leading food delivery platform. He graduated from The Harker School in 2010 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Stanford University. At Stanford, Fang met fellow students Tony Xu and Stanley Tang, with whom he launched DoorDash in 2013.
DoorDash began as a class project, initially named PaloAltoDelivery.com, aiming to address the lack of delivery options for local restaurants. Fang and his co-founders personally handled early deliveries, gaining firsthand experience of the challenges in food logistics. The company rapidly expanded, culminating in a successful IPO in December 2020.
As of April 2025, Fang serves as DoorDash’s Head of Consumer Engineering and owns approximately 4% of the company’s shares. His net worth is estimated at $1.5 billion, reflecting his significant role in the company’s growth and success.
Beyond his professional achievements, Fang is known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in education and technology. He has donated to various organizations, including his alma mater, The Harker School, and Stanford University.
Stanley Tang – Age 33, USA – Co-founder & Head of DoorDash Labs
Net Worth: $1.2 billion
Stanley Tang, born in 1992 in Hong Kong, is a tech entrepreneur and co-founder of DoorDash, a leading food delivery platform. At 14, he authored the Amazon best-seller eMillions, showcasing his early entrepreneurial spirit. Tang later moved to the U.S. to study Computer Science at Stanford University, where he met co-founders Tony Xu and Andy Fang.
In 2013, the trio launched DoorDash to address the lack of delivery options for local restaurants. Tang played a pivotal role in developing the platform’s technology and user experience. The company rapidly expanded, culminating in a successful IPO in December 2020.
As of 2025, Tang serves as the Head of DoorDash Labs, focusing on robotics and autonomous delivery systems. His net worth is estimated at $1.2 billion, reflecting his significant contributions to the company’s growth and innovation.
John Collison – Age 34, Ireland – Co-founder & President of Stripe
Net Worth: $10.1 Billion
John Collison, born in 1990 in Dromineer, County Tipperary, Ireland, is the co-founder and president of Stripe, a leading online payment processing platform. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated at $10.1 billion.
Raised in a family that valued education and entrepreneurship, Collison demonstrated exceptional academic prowess early on. He achieved the highest-ever score in the Irish Leaving Certificate examination before enrolling at Harvard University. However, he left Harvard to pursue entrepreneurial ventures with his brother, Patrick.
In 2007, the Collison brothers founded “Shuppa,” which later merged with Auctomatic, a software company that built tools for eBay sellers. Auctomatic was acquired for $5 million in 2008, when John was just 17.
In 2010, the brothers launched Stripe, aiming to simplify online payments for businesses. The company quickly gained traction, attracting investments from prominent figures like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel. Today, Stripe is valued at $65 billion and serves millions of businesses worldwide.
Beyond his business endeavors, Collison has invested in restoring historic properties in Ireland, including the Abbey Leix Estate. He is also a licensed pilot and pianist, reflecting a diverse range of interests outside the tech industry.
Ben Francis – Age 35, UK – Founder & CEO of Gymshark
Net Worth: $1.3 billion
Ben Francis launched Gymshark in 2012 from his parents’ garage in Bromsgrove, England, at just 19 years old. While studying business and management at Aston University and working as a Pizza Hut delivery driver, he noticed a gap in the market for stylish, functional gym apparel. With no formal background in fashion, he taught himself to sew, creating custom workout gear that resonated with fitness enthusiasts.
Initially, Gymshark operated as a dropshipping business for fitness supplements. Recognizing the potential in apparel, Francis began designing and manufacturing his own products. A pivotal moment came in 2013 when a tracksuit went viral on Facebook, generating £30,000 in sales within 30 minutes. This success led him to leave university and focus on Gymshark full-time.
Francis leveraged social media influencers to promote the brand, making Gymshark one of the first companies to embrace influencer marketing on platforms like Instagram and YouTube. This strategy propelled the brand to global recognition, with products now sold in over 180 countries. In 2020, a 21% stake sale to General Atlantic valued the company at over £1 billion. Francis, retaining a 70% stake, became the UK’s youngest self-made billionaire.
Despite his wealth, Francis remains grounded, focusing on his passion for fitness and community. In 2023, he was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to commerce and the economy.
Taylor Swift – Age 35, USA – Singer-Songwriter
Net Worth: $1.6 Billion
Taylor Swift’s journey from country music newcomer to global pop sensation is a story of relentless reinvention and savvy business moves. Starting in Nashville, Swift quickly made a name for herself with deeply personal songs that connected with millions. Her self-titled debut album was just the beginning of an unprecedented career.
By the time she released her 2014 album 1989, she had fully transitioned to pop, expanding her audience and solidifying her place in the music industry. With each album, Swift built her empire, not just as a songwriter but as a smart businesswoman. Her 2023 Eras Tour was a milestone, becoming the highest-grossing tour of all time and taking in over $1 billion in revenue.
Swift’s net worth shot up to $1.6 billion by 2024, largely driven by royalties from her extensive catalog of music, strategic touring, and business ventures. She’s also smart with her investments, owning properties in multiple cities, from Nashville to New York. But what really sets her apart is her ownership of her music.
By regaining control over her masters, Taylor has ensured a legacy that goes beyond just record sales. It’s clear that Taylor Swift has built an empire from scratch, and her business sense is just as sharp as her songwriting.
Evan Spiegel – Age 34, USA – Co-founder & CEO of Snap Inc.
Net Worth: $2.7 Billion
Evan Spiegel, born in Los Angeles in 1990, co-founded Snapchat (now Snap Inc.) in 2011 while studying product design at Stanford University. Collaborating with classmates Bobby Murphy and Reggie Brown, they introduced a novel concept: ephemeral photo messaging. This innovation quickly gained traction, especially among younger users, leading to the app’s rapid growth.
In 2017, Spiegel took Snap Inc. public, becoming one of the youngest CEOs to lead a company through an IPO at age 26. Despite facing stiff competition from tech giants like Facebook and Instagram, Snap maintained its unique identity, focusing on augmented reality features and a strong user community.
As of 2025, Spiegel’s net worth is estimated at $2.6 billion. While this marks a decline from his 2021 peak of $15 billion, it reflects the volatile nature of the tech industry and Snap’s stock performance.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Spiegel is known for his philanthropic efforts. He and Murphy have pledged to donate 13 million shares to the youth-focused Snap Foundation.
Wrapping Up
These young billionaires didn’t stumble into fortune, they built it. They had grit, made bold moves, and used their skills to create real impact. Most of them started early, took risks others wouldn’t, and surrounded themselves with the right people. Some launched startups from their dorm rooms, while others turned passions into powerful brands.
What ties them all together? Drive. Innovation. A willingness to keep pushing forward, even when the odds weren’t in their favor. Now, many are using their success to invest in others and give back.
So, which story stood out to you? Was it the coder-turned-founder, the beauty brand builder, or the delivery disruptor? Share your thoughts, we’d love to hear who inspired you most. And if you’re into stories of entrepreneurship, wealth-building, and bold innovation, stick around. There’s a lot more where this came from.
