Whether through family inheritances, business legacies, or technology startups, there are now more young billionaires than ever, with the youngest in the world being 19 years old.
While the older generation predominantly self-built their fortunes, the youngest billionaires often inherit wealth. Nonetheless, a few self-made young billionaires have navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship with determination, resilience, and a knack for seizing opportunities.
Regardless of their paths to wealth, today’s young billionaires not only amass fortunes but also shape the future, emphasising the realisation of dreams through passion and perseverance.
According to Forbes’s real-time billionaire list, here are the top 10 youngest billionaires of 2024 as of January 31.
Clemente Del Vecchio
Meet the world’s youngest billionaire, a 19-year-old named Clemente Del Vecchio, who is worth $4.1 billion and holds the keys to one of the world’s most successful eyewear empires. He has made his mark in the eyeglass industry, following in the footsteps of his family’s eyewear empire. With his youth and vision, one can only wonder what the future holds for this budding mogul.
Kevin David Lehmann
At just 21, Kevin David Lehmann is the young face of German success in the drugstore business. He holds a net worth of $2.5 billion, showcasing his entrepreneurial strength at a remarkably young age. Lehmann inherited a 50% stake in Germany’s leading drugstore chain, DM (Drogerie Markt), from his father, proving that even at a young age, one can achieve incredible things
Luca Del Vecchio
Following in the footsteps of his younger brother Clemente, another scion of the Del Vecchio family, Luca, aged 22, has a $4.1 billion fortune. Luca contributes to the family’s legacy. Together, these young individuals represent the future of the iconic Del Vecchio empire.
Alexandra Andresen
27-year-old Alexandra Andresen from Norway has carved her path to a $1.5 billion fortune at just 27. She inherited 42% of the family-owned investment company, Ferd. Alexandra is a professional equestrian who has won numerous awards.
Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio
At the helm of the Del Vecchio dynasty stands Leonardo Maria, the eldest heir, with a $4.1 billion fortune. His visionary designs, like the revolutionary self-adjusting sunglasses, and bold collaborations with fashion icons have not only shaped eyewear trends but redefined modern fashion itself. With this innovative spirit, Leonardo Maria promises to lead the family legacy into a groundbreaking future.
Katharina Andresen
Katharina Andresen, aged 28, joins the billionaire club with a net worth of $1.5 billion. Just like her sister Alexandra, She inherited 42% of the family-owned investment company, Ferd. Katharina is more likely to follow in her father’s footsteps, though the father has mentioned he has no intent of forcing his daughters to get into the family business.
Ryan Breslow
Ryan Breslow, 29, is rewriting the e-commerce playbook with his $1.1 billion fortune. His brainchild, Bolt Financial, is reshaping online shopping with lightning-fast checkout and revolutionising how businesses cater to customers. With his relentless innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, Breslow is poised to leave an indelible mark on the future of e-commerce.
Gustav Magnar Witzoe
Gustav Magnar Witzoe, 30, nets a $3.7 billion fortune by sustainably farmed Atlantic salmon at an unprecedented scale. His family’s pioneering aquaculture techniques haven’t just transformed the industry; they’ve also shown the world that environmental responsibility can be a recipe for billionaire success. Unlike the tech titans and finance gurus dominating the list, Witzoe’s wealth arises from the depths of the sea, proving that the future of luxury may just lie in sustainable seafood
Mark Mateschitz
At 31, Mark Mateschitz sits atop a $39.4 billion empire built on the wings of Red Bull, the energy drink sensation that took the world by storm. As Red Bull’s co-founder by his father and mastermind, Mark plays his role remarkably as a stakeholder.
Jonathan Kwok
Jonathan Kwok, 31, worth $2.3 billion fortune by transforming Hong Kong’s skyline with daring architectural masterpieces. Jonathan’s entrepreneurial spirit thrives on taking on seemingly impossible projects and exceeding expectations. This young mogul is proving that Hong Kong’s real estate future is in his hands.
