Youngest Self-made Billionaire and 3 Exceptional Runners-up

rich person — Is success a private jet? A luxury wardrobe? A 10-figure net worth? AzmanJaka / Getty Images

Who holds the title of youngest self-made billionaire? These entrepreneurs didn't just inherit wealth; they built their fortune through grit, brains, and often a bit of code. From tech founders to entertainers, the list is as diverse as it is impressive.

Let’s spotlight some of the most notable names who made billions before many people finish college.

1. Alexandr Wang

At just 25, Alexandr Wang became the world's youngest self-made billionaire. A computer science whiz who dropped out of MIT, he co-founded Scale AI, a machine learning startup that helps companies like Meta and the U.S. military train AI systems.

Investors took notice quickly, and Wang’s real-time net worth soared.

2. Lucy Guo

Lucy Guo, co-founder of Scale AI, shares the spotlight. Raised in Fremont, California, steeped in immigrant Chinese culture, she taught herself to code at a young age. Guo eventually dropped out of college and launched a string of ventures.

In 2022, she told Fortune, "I have a swanky apartment in Miami and a house in LA which is five minutes away from my office" — big markers of success for many. But she also felt the pressure of turning 30 without having met cultural expectations of being married with kids by that age.

She’s a rare female tech CEO with a lifestyle that includes best friends, no kids, and a thriving office culture. She's openly grateful for her path but also deeply aware of the pressure that comes with such a title.

3. Taylor Swift

Though better known for her lyrics than her tech, Taylor Swift joined the youngest self-made billionaire ranks thanks to savvy business moves.

From re-recording her music to regain control of her masters (master recordings) to dominating streaming, record-breaking tours and merchandise, she built a company around her personal brand. Her friendship circle — yes, including Selena Gomez — is as influential as her music.

4. Kylie Jenner (Honorable Mention)

While not on the current Forbes list as a billionaire, Kylie Jenner previously earned the youngest self-made billionaire label due to her beauty business. The publication later revised its estimate, but her empire still sets the standard for Gen Z entrepreneur culture.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.