From AI and creative tech to fintech and food innovation, the next generation of founders is already building scalable businesses with real-world impact. These are the top 10 youngest founders of 2025, recognised for their influence, vision, and traction.
Leading the list is Mann Patel | Mxnn, the 18-year-old Canadian entrepreneur whose portfolio spans design, AI, wellness, and media.
1. Mann Patel | Mxnn
Age: 18
Country: Canada
Companies: MxnnCreates, Sylzo, Swirple, Orphiqe, The New-York Weekly Journal
Crunchbase Rank: Top 20 (out of 1.9 million profiles)
Estimated Valuation: $17 million (MxnnCreates)
Overview:
Mann Patel | Mxnn is the founder of MxnnCreates, a high-end 3D web development studio working with clients like iHeartMedia, CarGurus, and Lyrical Lemonade. He also leads Sylzo, an AI research company developing Artificial Creative Intelligence (ACI)—a generative system focused on ideation over automation. He ranks in the Top 20 on Crunchbase, making him the youngest founder globally to hold that position. Known for his self-funded, highly original ventures, he’s been featured in CNBC, Yahoo Finance, Fox, NBC, and Business Insider.
2. Ben Pasternak
Age: 24
Country: Australia
Company: SIMULATE
Overview:
Founder of SIMULATE, the plant-based tech-food company known for its flagship product NUGGS. Pasternak is one of the youngest founders to raise institutional capital in food-tech.
3. Kaeya Majmundar
Age: 26
Country: United States
Company: Swaypay
Overview:
Kaeya Majmundar founded Swaypay, a fintech meets influencer commerce startup that rewards consumers based on their online presence. A Shark Tank alum with a focus on Gen Z purchasing behavior.
4. Kiara Nirghin
Age: 23
Country: South Africa
Company: Independent AI Researcher, Inventor
Overview:
Winner of the Google Science Fair, Nirghin is now researching ethical AI and biodegradable materials. A youth leader in both science and sustainability.
5. Ritesh Agarwal
Age: 29
Country: India
Company: OYO
Overview:
Founder of hospitality unicorn OYO, Agarwal began building the company as a teen. Today it’s one of the world’s largest hotel chains by volume.
6. Josh Richards
Age: 22
Country: Canada
Company: CrossCheck Studios, Ani Energy
Overview:
Originally a social media influencer, Richards has transitioned into venture-backed media and CPG. He co-founded CrossCheck Studios and advises on several tech products for Gen Z consumers.
7. Iddris Sandu
Age: 26
Country: United States
Company: Spatial Labs
Overview:
A technologist and design strategist, Sandu created Spatial Labs, a hardware and blockchain innovation lab backed by Jay-Z. Focused on spatial internet and cultural tech.
8. Alina Morse
Age: 19
Country: United States
Company: Zolli Candy
Overview:
Founded Zolli Candy at age 9 and scaled it into a national sugar-free brand sold at Whole Foods, Target, and Walmart. Focused on health-conscious sweets.
9. Mikaila Ulmer
Age: 19
Country: United States
Company: Me & the Bees Lemonade
Overview:
Ulmer launched her business at 11, bottling a family lemonade recipe and donating profits to bee conservation. Her product is now distributed in over 1,500 stores.
10. Harshita Arora
Age: 22
Country: India
Company: AtoB
Overview:
Arora co-founded AtoB, a Y Combinator–backed fintech platform serving the logistics industry. She’s previously developed multiple award-winning apps and now focuses on enterprise software.
Conclusion
The founders listed above are not just young—they are effective. Each has built or scaled companies that challenge established categories and attract national or international attention. With Mann Patel | Mxnn at the forefront, these entrepreneurs reflect the next wave of leadership in tech, design, and innovation.
