Gone are the days when entrepreneurship was reserved for seasoned professionals with decades of experience. Today, young entrepreneurs, some barely out of school, are rewriting the rules of business with unparalleled creativity, technological mastery, and sheer courage.

These innovative thinkers are not just launching startups; they are shaping industries, tackling global challenges, and inspiring the next generation of dreamers. Let’s explore some of the young entrepreneurs who are changing the game, and extract the powerful lessons future leaders can apply.

Global Impact: 5 Inspiring Young Entrepreneurs in Action

The success of these leaders proves that age is irrelevant when vision and execution are strong.

1. Ben Francis – Gymshark (UK)

At just 19, Ben Francis turned his passion for fitness into one of the world’s fastest-growing sportswear brands, Gymshark. What started in his garage became a billion-dollar brand thanks to his clever early adoption of social media marketing and influencer collaborations.

The Lesson: Combining authentic branding with digital engagement can disrupt even the most competitive global industries.

2. Melati and Isabel Wijsen – Bye Bye Plastic Bags (Indonesia)

At only 10 and 12 years old, the Wijsen sisters began a youth movement to fight plastic pollution in Bali. Their activism inspired nationwide bans and gained international attention.

The Lesson: Entrepreneurship isn’t always about profit, it’s about purpose-driven change and leveraging influence for social impact.

Read More:

• Why 90% of New Entrepreneurs Fail in the First Year? The 5 Core Reasons Revealed
• How Social Media Marketing Turns Small Businesses into Big Brands
• 7 Marketing Mistakes That Will Bankrupt Your Startup Before Year One

3. Evan Spiegel – Snapchat (USA)

While studying at Stanford, Evan Spiegel co-founded Snapchat, the app that revolutionized digital communication. His vision for short, disappearing messages sparked a social media revolution and created a multi-billion-dollar company.

The Lesson: The power of understanding deep user behavior and daring to challenge digital communication conventions is key to massive startup growth.

4. Mikaila Ulmer – Me & the Bees Lemonade (USA)

At just four years old, Mikaila Ulmer turned her grandmother’s honey-sweetened lemonade into a sustainable business that promotes saving bees. Her brand is now sold across major US retailers.

The Lesson: Even a simple, local idea can scale into something powerful when combined with social impact and sustainability.

5. Boyan Slat – The Ocean Cleanup (Netherlands)

At 18, Boyan Slat founded The Ocean Cleanup, a project using cutting-edge technology to remove plastic waste from oceans and rivers. His engineering mindset turned a high school idea into one of the most recognized global environmental initiatives.

The Lesson: Innovation driven by global vision can solve major environmental challenges, requiring both engineering and entrepreneurial drive.

Common Traits of Successful Young Entrepreneurs

Though their stories differ, these young leaders share critical characteristics that pave the way for startup success:

• They Solve Real Problems: Every successful idea starts with identifying a genuine market need or global challenge.
• They Embrace Technology: Digital tools and social media amplify their ideas globally, allowing them to compete with established giants.
• They Lead with Purpose: For this generation, profit often follows when passion and social impact come first.
• They Stay Resilient: Failures and setbacks don’t stop them, they are masters of rapid adaptation and growth.

The St. Gabriel Perspective: Empowering the Next Generation of Young Entrepreneurs

At St. Gabriel Pre-University, we teach students that success doesn’t depend on age or initial resources, but on mindset, creativity, and strategic vision.

We prepare our students for the future by instilling the same traits demonstrated by these successful young entrepreneurs: global strategic thinking, digital literacy, and purpose-driven execution.

“Entrepreneurship is not about waiting for the right time, it’s about creating it. The future belongs to those who create.”

Ready to Study Aboard Without Leaving Home?

Don’t just be inspired by these young entrepreneurs, become one by gaining global credentials.

Explore St. Gabriel Pre-University’s Exclusive Online Bachelor’s (S1) and Master’s (S2) Programs.

Enjoy the flexibility of online study while earning a direct degree certification sent from the UK.