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From Zero To Millions: 15 Young Entrepreneurs Who Made It Big

Updated 8 Hours Ago

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Some people spend their twenties figuring out what they want to do with their lives. Then there are others who turn that figuring-out process into a multi-million-dollar empire. Keep reading to find out about 15 self-made millionaires who made nothing into something by building success from scratch.

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1. Austin Russell

At 25 years old, Austin Russell made headlines when he became a self-made billionaire. He founded Luminar Technologies, which creates advanced lidar sensors used in self-driving cars. What’s impressive is that he started when he was only 17, and by 2020, the company went public.

2. Ritesh Agarwal

Starting at just 19, Ritesh Agarwal built OYO Rooms, a budget hotel chain that offers standardized accommodations for travelers. Today, OYO has expanded into over 80 countries, becoming a household name. Ritesh’s success is all about making something simple and affordable.

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3. Alexandr Wang

As one of the youngest visionaries in the AI space, Wang co-founded Scale AI, a company that delivers high-quality data labeling to fuel machine learning. His journey is a masterclass in foresight and determination, rooted in a deep belief that AI would soon reshape the world.

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4. Nikhil Kamath

Co-founding Zerodha at 24, Nikhil revolutionized stock trading in India by offering a more affordable, accessible way for retail investors to trade. By the time Nikhil turned 28, Zerodha had become India’s largest retail stockbroker, and Kamath earned a fortune.

5. Ben Francis

Ben Francis started Gymshark when he was just 19, selling fitness gear out of his garage. Fast forward to today, and Gymshark is a household name, valued at over a billion dollars. Through clever use of social media and influencer marketing, it is now a community.

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6. Alina Morse

At 10, Alina Morse founded Zollipops, a company that produces sugar-free lollipops aimed at promoting dental health. She pitched to stores, attended trade shows, and eventually got Zollipops into major retailers across the U.S. Her vision combined health and entrepreneurship in a way that resonated with all.

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7. Moziah Bridges

Moziah Bridges wasn’t even in high school when he began sewing bow ties at home using scrap fabric. He loved fashion but couldn’t find ties that matched his flair, so he decided to make his own. That’s how he built Mo’s Bows into a recognizable brand.

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8. Ben Pasternak

Ben Pasternak was still in high school in Australia when he built a mobile game that quickly gained traction. Recognizing his potential, he moved to New York at just 15 to pursue tech entrepreneurship full-time. Focused on creating sustainable alternatives to meat, Ben has raised millions.

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9. Emma Chamberlain

With her unfiltered YouTube videos, Emma broke the mold of polished influencer culture. She connected with her audience by being raw, funny, and completely herself. But behind that was a smart business instinct. She built Chamberlain Coffee under a sustainable and aesthetic lifestyle label.

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10. Mikaila Ulmer

When Mikaila Ulmer was just 4, she was stung by a bee, which turned her fear into fascination. Using her great-grandmother’s flaxseed lemonade recipe, she launched “Me & the Bees Lemonade,” sweetening it with honey to support pollinators. Selling her lemonade locally eventually led to deals with major retailers.

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11. Ryan Kaji

Ryan Kaji began as a preschooler reviewing toys on YouTube. His family filmed simple videos of him playing and giving reactions, which quickly turned into viral content. As his channel grew, so did opportunities for branding, product lines, and media deals.

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12. Benjamin Kickz

By 16, Benjamin Kickz turned his bar mitzvah money into a sneaker empire. After landing DJ Khaled as a client, his hustle exploded—serving stars like Drake and Travis Scott. Known for flipping rare kicks before release day, he’s now a fixture in celebrity closets and business headlines alike.

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13. Charli D’Amelio

Charli D’Amelio went from viral dance videos to global fame in record time. After joining TikTok in 2019, she became the first to hit 100 million followers. Being a winning celeb from “Dancing with the Stars” and a Broadway performer, Charli has built an empire beyond the clicks.

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14. Georgia Toffolo

Georgia Toffolo shot to fame on “Made in Chelsea” and quickly became a household name in the UK. With bestselling books, fashion collaborations, and a polished personal brand, Toffolo went from a TV personality to a young, self-made millionaire.

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15. Mia Talerico

Cast as “Charlie” in Disney Channel’s “Good Luck Charlie,” Mia Talerico grew up on screen. Her early start in a hit TV show brought not just fame but a steady stream of earnings. With continued appearances and brand partnerships, Mia leveraged her childhood stardom into an early fortune.

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