By Haddon Libby
The Forbes 30 Under 30 Class of 2026 shows us a group of young leaders who are changing the business world. This year, the average age of the people on the list is 27 with the youngest person just 17 years old. These young entrepreneurs have earned a massive amount of trust from big investors, who have given them a combined total of nearly $4 billion to help grow their businesses. On top of making a lot of money, these young leaders are also having a massive cultural impact. The celebrities and content creators on the list have a combined social media following of more than 200 million people, proving that they know exactly how to connect with the public and run successful modern businesses. Here are a few of these exceptional young adults:
The Youngest Innovator: Crystal Yang, 18
Entering the Forbes’ ranks as a true trailblazer, Yang founded her company, Audemy, at just 17 years old to bridge the gap between technology and accessibility. Her platform centers on creating accessible gaming and educational technology for the blind and visually impaired, proving that impactful enterprise leadership can start well before adulthood.
Rowan Cheung, 26, Founder of The Rundown AI
As artificial intelligence transitions from a novelty to a critical utility, Cheung has built one of the fastest-growing digital media and resource platforms in the world. By tracking and translating complex enterprise software shifts and agentic AI architectures into highly actionable insights, his company serves millions of daily professionals navigating the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Asim Razzaq, 28, Yuma
In the crowded customer-service software market, Razzaq is building Yuma with a leaner, faster approach. By using advanced AI tools and adapting quickly to client needs, his startup is positioning itself to compete with much larger and more established technology companies.
Timothée Le Quesne, 29, Founder of Energysquare
As the tech boom places greater pressure on hardware and infrastructure, Le Quesne is focused on the physical side of innovation. Through Energysquare, he is developing smart wireless charging surfaces designed to improve convenience and efficiency for devices in both professional and consumer settings.
Anna Cathcart, 22, Actress and Entrepreneur
Best known for her starring role in XO, Kitty, Cathcart is building a career that extends beyond traditional studio opportunities. She is using her on-screen success to grow an independent brand presence, showing how young performers can turn visibility into lasting business value.
Alex Warren, 25, Independent Recording Artist and Content Creator
Warren built his career outside the traditional record-label system, turning online momentum into success across music, touring, and digital media. His rise reflects how today’s artists can build loyal audiences and sustainable businesses by combining creative talent with a strong command of online platforms.
Kenzie Rosenberg, 25, Founder of BFF
Rosenberg is working at the intersection of storytelling and creative technology. Through BFF, she is using modern production tools to make high-quality visual content more accessible, reflecting a broader shift toward faster and more flexible media creation.
Claudia Sulewski, 29, Digital Creator, Actress, and Entrepreneur
Sulewski first gained attention during the early years of YouTube and has since expanded that presence into a broader career across entertainment and business. Her path shows how digital creators can turn early online influence into longer-term ventures with staying power.
Coco Gauff, 21, Tennis Champion and Business Powerhouse
Gauff represents the modern blend of athletic excellence and commercial influence. While still early in her career, she has already built a strong presence both on and off the court, showing how elite athletes can shape culture as well as business.
Taken together, this year’s honorees reflect a broader shift in how influence, innovation, and enterprise are being built. Whether through technology, media, entertainment, or sport, they are showing that the next generation of business leadership is already here.
Haddon Libby is the Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Winslow Drake Investment Management. For more information on our services, please visit www.WinslowDrake.com.
