17 Self-Made Youngest Billionaires In The World 2024

You've heard the famous saying, "You're never too young to start an empire, but you're also never too old to chase a new vision." This is unequivocally true when you spotlight the youngest billionaires in the world.

These brilliant minds personify perseverance and innovation, showcasing that age is no barrier when reaching for the stars.

While many of us might be pinching pennies to save for our next vacation or clear college debt, this collective of youthful individuals has worked to accumulate wealth that most can only dream of.

Their stories might intimidate, inspire, or even push you to question your life's journey. But one thing’s for sure - they are a testament to the boundless possibilities that ingenuity and hard work can create.

Who is the youngest billionaire in the world?

The youngest billionaire in the world, as of today, is Clemente Del Vecchio. Boasting a net worth of $3.5 billion, del Vecchio is only 18 years old, marking a significant achievement at such a young age.

He hails from Italy and has generated his massive fortune through Luxottica, an Italian eyewear conglomerate reported to be the largest company in the global eyewear industry.

Luxottica is internationally renowned and owns various famous brands such as Ray-Ban, Persol, and Oakley.

It also manufactures eyewear for high-end designer labels, including Chanel, Prada, Giorgio Armani, Burberry, Versace, Dolce and Gabbana, and many others.

Del Vecchio's wealth primarily comes from his inherited stake in this successful enterprise. Despite his youth, Del Vecchio has put himself on the map due to his family's established brand name and success in a profitable sector.

His spot as the youngest billionaire worldwide distinguishes him among individuals known for their notable wealth.

Also Read: Billionaires In California [List of 20 Richest People]

List of the Top 17 Youngest Billionaires in the World

It's always intriguing - even enlightening - to examine the lives and successes of young achievers.

In this context, let's delve into the fascinating realm of the world's youngest billionaires. Those named below not only amassed incredible wealth early in life but also contributed exciting innovations and fresh perspectives to their industries.

Clemente Del Vecchio

• Age: 18
• Citizenship: Italy
• Source of Wealth: Luxottica
• Net Worth: $3.5 Billion

Clemente Del Vecchio, heir to the Luxottica fortune, is currently considered the youngest billionaire in the world. Luxottica is a market leader in designing, manufacturing, and distributing fashion, luxury, sports, and performance eyewear.

Ben Francis

• Age: 30
• Citizenship: U.K.
• Source of Wealth: Gymshark
• Net Worth: $1.2 Billion

Ben Francis is a British businessman you might want to watch out for. He founded Gymshark out of his bedroom when he was 19 years old with a budget of merely £1,000 from savings and a student loan! Today, his fitness apparel brand has become one of Britain’s fastest-growing companies.

Luca Del Vecchio

• Age: 21
• Citizenship: Italy
• Source of Wealth: Luxottica
• Net Worth: $3.5 Billion

Luca Del Vecchio, younger brother of Clemente and the second child of Leonardo Del Vecchio, also shares his family's billion-dollar eyewear empire. This inheritance makes him one of the youngest billionaires in Europe.

Palmer Luckey

• Age: 30
• Citizenship: U.S.
• Source of Wealth: Virtual Reality (VR), defense contracting
• Net Worth: $1.7 Billion

In the realm of technology, Palmer Luckey emerges as a significant game-changer. He founded Oculus VR and designed the Oculus Rift, a virtual reality head-mounted display. His technological innovations opened new vistas in gaming and beyond.

Also Read: Who Was The First Billionaire 2024 [The Inspiring Journey]

Mark Mateschitz

• Age: 30
• Citizenship: Austria
• Source of Wealth: Red Bull
• Net Worth:$34.7 Billion

Although not typically considered 'young,' Mark Mateschitz has earned an enviable place on this list due to his inventive creation - Red Bull. This globally renowned energy drink has amplified his wealth and made him a pioneering beverage industry figure.

Alexandra Andresen

• Age: 26
• Citizenship: Norway
• Source of Wealth: Investments
• Net Worth: $1.5 Billion

Alexandra Andresen initially turned heads when, at the age of 19, she became the world's youngest billionaire. Her wealth hails from her family's investment company, Ferd, which deals in private equity, real estate, and securities.

Michal Strnad

• Age: 30
• Citizenship: Czech Republic
• Source of Wealth: Weapons
• Net Worth: $2 Billion

At an age when most people are trying to stabilize their career paths, Michal Strnad manages a leading European defense industry business. As a majority owner and CEO of CSG (Czechoslovak Group), he manifests how innovation can translate into profitability in any field.

Kim Jung-min

• Age: 21
• Citizenship: South Korea
• Source of Wealth: Online gaming
• Net Worth: $1.7 Billion

As an influential figure in the e-sports prowess that is South Korea, Kim Jung-min co-founded Bon Angels and has invested in more than 100 startups related to games. This young billionaire puts light on the lucrative potential of online gaming.

Gustav Magnar Witzoe

• Age: 29
• Citizenship: Norway
• Source of Wealth: Fish farming
• Net Worth: $2.7 Billion

Gustav Magnar Witzoe holds a significant share in Salmar ASA, one of the world's largest salmon producers, given to him by his father. His wealth got a substantial boost with the boom in the global demand for salmon.

Ryan Breslow

• Age: 28
• Citizenship: U.S.
• Source of Wealth: E-commerce
• Net Worth: $1.1 Billion

The story of Ryan Breslow reflects how e-commerce has revolutionized our world today as the founder and CEO of Bolt, an all-in-one checkout platform designed to give retailers a better than Amazon experience, Ryan is considered one of the youngest self-made billionaires in the US.

Also Read: What Industry Makes The Most Millionaires 2024 [Top 20]

Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio

• Age: 27
• Citizenship: Italy
• Source of Wealth: Luxottica
• Net Worth:$3.5 Billion

Another heir to the Luxottica empire is Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio, who continues to propel this major eyewear company forward. The youngest son of Leonardo Del Vecchio Sr., he embodies how proper inheritance management can keep entrepreneurial legacies thriving.

Kevin David Lehmann

• Age: 20
• Citizenship: Germany
• Source of Wealth: Drugstores
• Net Worth: $2.3 Billion

Kevin David Lehmann was able to claim his billionaire status at the tender age of 14 when transferred to him by his father, Günter Lehmann. Kevin's fortune comes from his father's stake in the German drugstore chain dm-drogerie Markt.

Katharina Andresen

• Age: 27
• Citizenship: Norway
• Source of Wealth: Investments
• Net Worth: $1.5 Billion

Katharina Andresen, sister to Alexandra Andresen, shares ownership of Ferd – a Norwegian investment company, a tobacco brand, before branching into real estate and hedge funds.

Wang Zelong

• Age: 26
• Citizenship: China
• Source of Wealth: Pigment production
• Net Worth: $1.4 Billion

Wang Zelong owns 70% of CNNC Hua Yuan Titanium Dioxide Co., which produces titanium dioxide pigment, a white pigment widely used in coatings, plastics, ink paper, and other areas. His helm at this industrial behemoth symbolizes the massive opportunities prevalent in manufacturing.

Kim Jung-Youn

• Age: 19
• Citizenship: South Korea
• Source of Wealth: Online gaming
• Net Worth: $1.7 Billion

Another shining star in the online gaming industry, Kim Jung-Youn, hit the billionaire mark at just 19. Co-founder of Bon Angels Venture Partners, he is proof positive that investing in the rapidly growing game development industry can be extraordinarily lucrative.

Kevin David Lehmann (Repeat)

• Age: 20
• Citizenship: Germany
• Source of Wealth: Drugstores
• Net Worth: $2.3 Billion

Kevin David's story is an interesting one. Upon his father's decision to transfer his wealth to Kevin when he was still a child, he instantly became one of the world's youngest billionaires.

Kim Jung-youn (Repeat)

• Age: 19
• Citizenship: South Korea
• Source of Wealth: Online gaming
• Net Worth:$1.7 Billion

As you can see from the multiple entries on this list, online gaming has proven a solid path to success for millennials and Gen Zs alike - Kim Jung-youn is a vibrant testament to that reality.

FAQs About Youngest Billionaires in the World

Conclusion

The stories of these young billionaires are not merely about impressive numbers or Forbes rankings.

They testify to the transformative power of innovation, ambition, and resilience that can defy age and craft unprecedented success stories.

From inherited wealth to new-age industries like online gaming and e-commerce, these young achievers show us there's no one path to phenomenal wealth and success.

So, whether you're grinding through college or working your first job, remember—age is just a number.

The equation for success is a blend of passion, dedication, and ceaseless ambition. And who knows? You might be the next face on this list.