"While many Gen Zers are struggling to land entry-level jobs thanks to AI, the same technology is also fueling a new wave of young billionaires. This year, the number of self-made billionaires under 30 hit an all-time high, as entrepreneurial young people have turned growing up with smartphones into billion-dollar startups. In 2025, there were more self-made billionaires in their 20s than ever before-about 13 people higher than from a previous record of 7-according to an analysis from Forbes."
"And most have experienced a wealth surge as of late; about 11 of the 13 newly initiated ultra-wealthy became billionaires within the last three months, including the likes of Polymarket CEO Shayne Coplan, the cofounder of vibe coding startup Loveable, Fabian Hedin, and AI entrepreneur Arvid Lunnemark. The majority of these young and ultra-wealthy founders made their wealth by jumping on the AI industry while it's hot."
Record numbers of self-made billionaires under 30 emerged in 2025, rising to 13 from a prior record of seven. About 11 of those became billionaires within the last three months. Many founders achieved rapid wealth by launching AI-focused startups and capitalizing on intense market demand. Notable examples include Sualeh Asif, cofounder of Anysphere behind AI editing tool Cursor; Adarsh Hiremath and Surya Midha, cofounders of AI recruiting startup Mercor; and Luana Lopes Lara, whose prediction market Kalshi reached an $11 billion valuation, propelling her net worth to $1.3 billion.
Read at Fortune
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