New analysis of over 5,000 Forbes 30 Under 30 and Fortune 40 Under 40 recipients since 2012 has identified a significant shift amongst entrepreneurs, with an increase in younger, female and international founders.
The data reveals several key trends that are reshaping the path to business success. For the first time, successful businesses are more likely to be founded by those aged 20-24 than 25-29. This suggests that entrepreneurs are emerging straight from or during university.
The analysis also uncovers that a record number of entrepreneurs are meeting their business partners while studying for their degrees.
Regent’s University London found that a quarter of those included in Forbes 30 Under 30 lists over the last three years met their business partners at university, a 5% rise in the last decade.
This trend is particularly strong in the tech industry, with high-profile founders like Andy Fang and Stanley Tang, who founded technology powerhouse DoorDash in 2013 after meeting at Stanford, leading the way.
Beyond age and networking, the research shows global experience is also fuelling business growth. Founders attending international universities are seeing increased success, with analysis showing a 12% rise in Forbes 30 Under 30 recipients who studied abroad.
With companies that move into new geographies 22% more likely to achieve above-market growth, the link between international experience and business success has never been clearer.
The research also shows a significant surge in women leading successful businesses, with an 8% rise in female founders making the Forbes 30 Under 30 list and a 29% rise in the Fortune 40 Under 40 list in the past 13 years.
This growth is particularly high in the biotech and women’s health technology as female founders pioneer solutions for underserved markets.
Professor Geoff Smith, Vice-Chancellor & CEO at Regent’s University London said: “Our research shows that the path to success has changed dramatically in the last 13 years, with entrepreneurial spirit and good connections becoming the most important factors for business success.
“As a result, we’re seeing an increasingly diverse mix of entrepreneurs achieving incredible things, regardless of age, gender or location.
“With more people founding businesses during their studies and with people they meet in university, it’s clear that the years we spend in higher education are crucial in dictating our path in life.
“So, it’s more important than ever that ambitious young people opt for universities that are going to provide them with the connections, experience and global perspective needed to thrive in the modern business world.”
