The year 2024 has unveiled a new league of billionaires – young, ambitious, and disruptively innovative. These individuals are not just wealthy; they are pioneers reshaping the landscape of global business. Let’s embark on a detailed journey into their lives, uncovering the layers behind their fortunes.
Top 10 Youngest Billionaires in the World 2024: Who Are They?
The list, based on Forbes‘ real-time billionaires list as of January 30, 2024, includes:
- Clemente Del Vecchio (Age: 19, Net Worth: $4.1 billion) – Eyeglasses, Italy
- Kim Jung-youn (Age: 20, Net Worth: $1.7 billion) – Online Gaming, South Korea
- Kevin David Lehmann (Age: 21, Net Worth: $2.5 billion) – Drugstores, Germany
- Kim Jung-min (Age: 22, Net Worth: $1.7 billion) – Online Gaming, South Korea
- Luca Del Vecchio (Age: 22, Net Worth: $4.1 billion) – Eyeglasses, Italy
- Alexandra Andresen (Age: 27, Net Worth: $1.5 billion) – Investments, Norway
- Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio (Age: 28, Net Worth: $3.9 billion) – Eyeglasses, Italy
- Katharina Andresen (Age: 28, Net Worth: $1.5 billion) – Investments, Norway
- Ryan Breslow (Age: 29, Net Worth: $1.1 billion) – E-commerce Software, USA
- Gustav Magnar Witzoe (Age: 30, Net Worth: $3.5 billion) – Fish Farming, Norway
1. Clemente Del Vecchio: The Eyewear Empire Heir
Age: 19 | Net Worth: $4.1 Billion | Industry: Eyeglasses | Residence: Milan, Italy
Clemente, at just 19, tops our list. Inheriting a significant stake in the eyewear giant EssilorLuxottica, he represents the quintessential billionaire heir. But Clemente is more than his inheritance. He’s a young visionary, keen on expanding the empire while maintaining a commitment to sustainable practices.
Education and Early Life: Raised in Milan’s fashion-centric culture, Clemente was exposed to the business world early on. He studied business administration, showing a keen interest in sustainable entrepreneurship.
Career and Achievements: Post-inheritance, Clemente has been actively involved in strategic decisions, focusing on expanding the brand’s digital presence and eco-friendly product lines.
Personal Life: Known for his low-profile lifestyle, Clemente is an avid art collector and a patron of Milan’s contemporary art scene.
2. Kim Jung-youn: The Online Gaming Prodigy
Age: 20 | Net Worth: $1.7 Billion | Industry: Online Gaming | Residence: South Korea
Kim Jung-youn, South Korea’s online gaming queen, inherited her fortune but is now making her own mark in the industry. She and her sister control a significant stake in NXC, the parent company of Nexon.
Education and Ambitions: Jung-youn studied computer science, fueling her passion for gaming. She’s keen on expanding Nexon’s global footprint while advocating for gender diversity in gaming.
Career Milestones: Under her leadership, Nexon has seen a surge in female gamers and has launched several successful titles globally.
Personal Interests: Jung-youn is a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, often integrating wellness themes into her games.
3. Kevin David Lehmann: The Drugstore Dynamo
Age: 21 | Net Worth: $2.5 Billion | Industry: Retail | Residence: Karlsruhe, Germany
Kevin David Lehmann might be young, but he’s a force to reckon with in the retail sector. Owning a 50% stake in Germany’s largest drugstore chain, dm (drogerie markt), he’s at the forefront of retail innovation.
Early Life and Education: Raised in a business-oriented family, Kevin was exposed to the retail world early. He studied marketing and retail management, showing a flair for innovative retail strategies.
Career Highlights: Kevin has been instrumental in expanding dm’s online presence and integrating sustainable practices in store operations.
Personal Life: Despite his wealth, Kevin maintains a down-to-earth lifestyle, often spotted cycling around Karlsruhe. He’s also a patron of local arts and culture.
4. Kim Jung-min: The Silent Gaming Powerhouse
Age: 22 | Net Worth: $1.7 Billion | Industry: Online Gaming | Residence: South Korea
Kim Jung-min, sister to Jung-youn, shares the gaming empire. While less public than her sister, Jung-min’s influence in Nexon is significant.
Background and Education: Jung-min, a private person, studied business and has always been the quieter force behind Nexon’s strategies.
Career and Influence: She plays a crucial role in Nexon’s strategic partnerships and has been pivotal in expanding the company’s reach in new markets.
Interests: Jung-min is known for her philanthropic efforts, particularly in education and technology access for underprivileged youth.
5. Luca Del Vecchio: The Stylish Successor
Age: 22 | Net Worth: $4.1 Billion | Industry: Eyeglasses | Residence: Milan, Italy
Luca, like his brother Clemente, inherited a fortune but is carving his own path in the fashion world. He’s known for his keen eye for design and fashion.
Educational Journey: Luca studied fashion design and business, combining his passion for style with entrepreneurial skills.
Career Path: He’s been influential in introducing cutting-edge designs to the EssilorLuxottica line, appealing to a younger, fashion-forward audience.
Personal Life: A regular at Milan Fashion Week, Luca is also a supporter of sustainable fashion initiatives.
6. Alexandra Andresen: The Investment Innovator
Age: 27 | Net Worth: $1.5 Billion | Industry: Investments | Residence: Oslo, Norway
Alexandra Andresen, the Norwegian heiress, stands out for her savvy investment strategies. Inheriting 42% of the family-owned investment firm Ferd, she’s not just resting on her laurels but actively shaping the firm’s future.
Educational Background: Alexandra pursued a degree in business and finance, equipping her with the skills to manage and grow her inherited wealth.
Career Achievements: Under her guidance, Ferd has diversified its investments, focusing on sustainable and socially responsible ventures.
Personal Life: Passionate about equestrian sports, Alexandra is also an advocate for animal rights and uses her platform to promote sustainable practices in business.
7. Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio: The Visionary in Eyewear
Age: 28 | Net Worth: $3.9 Billion | Industry: Eyeglasses | Residence: Milan, Italy
Leonardo Maria, another member of the Del Vecchio family, has taken an active role in the family business. As EssilorLuxottica’s chief strategy officer, he’s at the forefront of the eyewear industry’s evolution.
Education and Early Career: With a degree in business management, Leonardo Maria quickly rose through the ranks in the family business, bringing fresh ideas and strategies.
Career Highlights: He’s been pivotal in strategic acquisitions and expanding the company’s digital footprint.
Interests: Leonardo Maria is known for his interest in technology and innovation, often investing in tech startups.
8. Katharina Andresen: The Philanthropic Investor
Age: 28 | Net Worth: $1.5 Billion | Industry: Investments | Residence: Oslo, Norway
Katharina, Alexandra’s sister, shares the ownership of Ferd. While her approach to business is similar to her sister’s, Katharina is particularly known for her philanthropic efforts.
Educational Path: She studied social science, reflecting her interest in societal impacts of business.
Career and Philanthropy: Katharina has been instrumental in steering Ferd’s investments towards social enterprises and philanthropic causes.
Personal Pursuits: She is actively involved in various charitable organizations, focusing on education and poverty alleviation.
9. Ryan Breslow: The E-Commerce Trailblazer
Age: 29 | Net Worth: $1.1 Billion | Industry: E-commerce Software | Residence: Miami, Florida, USA
Ryan Breslow’s story is one of true entrepreneurship. Leaving Stanford to start Bolt, he’s now at the helm of a billion-dollar e-commerce software company.
Educational Journey: Though he left Stanford early, his time there sparked his interest in e-commerce and technology.
Career Milestones: Under his leadership, Bolt has secured significant funding and partnerships, revolutionizing online payment systems.
Lifestyle: Known for his advocacy of work-life balance, Ryan implemented a four-day workweek at Bolt and is a proponent of wellness practices.
10. Gustav Magnar Witzoe: The Fish Farming Phenom
Age: 30 | Net Worth: $3.5 Billion | Industry: Fish Farming | Residence: Kverva, Norway
Gustav Magnar Witzoe, owning nearly 50% of Salmar ASA, is a key player in the global fish farming industry. His wealth, initially inherited, is now being actively managed and grown through strategic decisions.
Background: Raised in a family deeply entrenched in the fish farming industry, Gustav developed a keen understanding of the business from a young age.
Business Acumen: He’s been involved in modernizing and expanding the family business, focusing on sustainable and ethical fish farming practices.
Interests Beyond Business: Gustav is also exploring investments in technology startups and real estate, showcasing his diverse business interests.
Conclusion: The Future Shapers
These top 10 youngest billionaires of 2024 are more than their net worth. They are trendsetters, innovators, and visionaries shaping the future of business and technology. Their stories are a blend of privilege, hard work, and a keen sense of the evolving market dynamics.
