Think entrepreneurship is a young person’s game? Think again. Â The data tells a different story and that’s why we call it the “young entrepreneur myth”:
🔹 Only 10-15% of founders are under 25
🔹 The peak founding age? 35-44 years old (30-35% of all founders)
🔹 Entrepreneurs over 40 have significantly higher success rates than those under 30
🔹 The highest business valuations come from founders aged 45+
Serial entrepreneurs prove this point perfectly. Elon Musk started Zip2 at 24, but Tesla and SpaceX success came in his 30s and 40s. Jeff Bezos launched Amazon at 30 after gaining Wall Street experience. Reed Hastings founded his first company at 31 and Netflix at 37.
The Guardian talks about the Fabulous Forties.
Why do older entrepreneurs succeed more often?
✓ Deeper and broader industry networks
✓ Better access to capital
✓ Proven track record with investors
✓ Strategic thinking developed over time
✓ Understanding of when and how to exit
The Silicon Valley “young founder” narrative has created a false impression. Most successful business building, and most valuable exits, happen when founders combine youthful energy with seasoned wisdom.
Interestingly, in the UK, young female founder numbers are increasing really rapidly, but from a very low starting point. Â Overall we expect to a similar pattern to emerge regardless of gender.
Whether you’re building your first business at 25, or planning your third exit at 75, your experience is your competitive advantage, don’t the myths limit your ambition or divert you from planning the right exit for you.
