When it comes to who is the youngest billionaire in the world right now, we might think of the Kardashians, Mark Zuckerberg, or Elon Musk’s children. But, that’s not really the case.
There’s a completely new generation of wealthholders on the scene, and some of you probably haven’t even heard about them yet.
The Forbes 2024 Billionaires List reveals a surprising trend which is that for the first time since 2009, every billionaire under 30 inherited their fortunes. This shift signifies a wealth transfer from self-made entrepreneurs to the next generation.
So, who wears the crown for the youngest billionaire in 2024?
Who is the Youngest Billionaire Currently?
The youngest billionaire currently is Livia Voigt. She is currently 19 years old, but she’s about to be 20.
This young woman is currently the world’s youngest billionaire, edging out Clemente Del Vecchio by two months. Livia, alongside her sister Dora, holds a 3.1% stake in WEG, a leading Brazilian multinational corporation specializing in industrial machinery. This stake has provided her with substantial dividend income, contributing significantly to her wealth.
Despite her young age and immense wealth, Livia is committed to her education. She is currently enrolled in university, pursuing a degree in psychology. Her dedication to her studies highlights a balance between managing her financial responsibilities and her personal development.
As she continues her academic journey, Livia Voigt represents a new generation of billionaires who value both their professional and educational pursuits.
The World’s Youngest Billionaires List
Now that we know who is the youngest billionaire, it is time to show off the remaining of the list of the youngest members of the World’s Billionaires list.
John Collison
- Age: 33
- Citizenship: Ireland
- Source of Wealth: Stripe
- Net Worth: $7.2 Billion
John Collison, along with his brother Patrick, co-founded the payment processing company Stripe. Born to scientist parents near Limerick, John sold his first startup, Automatic, for $5 million in 2007 when he was still in secondary school.
This early success set the stage for greater achievements. John enrolled in Harvard but soon dropped out to join his brother, who was attending MIT, in founding Stripe.
The company has since attracted significant investment, including from Fidelity and Ireland’s sovereign development fund. In 2016, a funding round valued Stripe at $9.2 billion, making John the world’s youngest self-made billionaire at 26.
As of February 2024, an employee tender offer valued Stripe at $65 billion.
Mark Mateschitz
- Age: 31
- Citizenship: Austria
- Source of Wealth: Red Bull
- Net Worth: $39.6 Billion
Mark Mateschitz inherited 49% of Red Bull following his father Dietrich Mateschitz’s death in 2022. Prior to inheriting his wealth, Mark managed Red Bull’s organics division but resigned, citing a belief that one should not be both an employee and a shareholder in the same company.
Red Bull, founded in 1984, continues to dominate the energy drink market, generating $11.6 billion in revenue and selling 12.1 billion cans in the last year.
Michal Strnad
- Age: 31
- Citizenship: Czech Republic
- Source of Wealth: Weapons
- Net Worth: $4.4 Billion
Michal Strnad’s journey to billionaire status is rooted in his father’s scrapyard business, which evolved into the defense producer Czechoslovak Group.
Michal has since taken over as owner and CEO, steering the company to $3.2 billion in revenue in 2023. Outside of his business endeavors, Michal enjoys collecting art, sports cars, and historic vehicles.
Firoz Mistry
- Age: 27
- Citizenship: Ireland
- Source of Wealth: Diversified
- Net Worth: $4.9 Billion
Firoz Mistry, along with his brother Zahan, inherited their wealth from their 4.6% stakes in Tata Sons, a $150 billion Indian conglomerate.
The Mistry brothers also hold a 25% stake in the construction giant Shapoorji Pallonji Group. Following family tragedies in 2022, the brothers have taken active roles in reorganizing and leading the debt-laden SP Group.
Zahan Mistry
- Age: 25
- Citizenship: Ireland
- Source of Wealth: Diversified
- Net Worth: $4.9 Billion
Like his brother Firoz, Zahan Mistry’s fortune comes from his stake in Tata Sons and Shapoorji Pallonji Group.
Despite being Irish citizens, the Mistry brothers live in Mumbai, close to their family businesses. They have been pivotal in restructuring the SP Group since their father’s untimely death.
Luca Del Vecchio
- Age: 22
- Citizenship: Italy
- Source of Wealth: Eyeglasses
- Net Worth: $4.7 Billion
Luca Del Vecchio is another heir to the Del Vecchio fortune. He holds a 12.5% stake in Delfin, which has interests in EssilorLuxottica and several major financial institutions.
Unlike his half-brother Leonardo, Luca does not hold a position in EssilorLuxottica but shares in the family’s substantial wealth.
Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio
- Age: 28
- Citizenship: Italy
- Source of Wealth: Eyeglasses
- Net Worth: $4.7 Billion
Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio is the chief strategy officer of EssilorLuxottica, the world’s largest eyeglasses company and the owner of Ray-Ban.
He inherited a 12.5% stake in the family’s holding company, Delfin, after his father’s death in June 2022. Delfin owns nearly a third of EssilorLuxottica, cementing Leonardo’s position in the luxury eyewear industry.
Clemente Del Vecchio is two months away from youngest billionaire
- Age: 20
- Citizenship: Italy
- Source of Wealth: Eyeglasses
- Net Worth: $4.7 Billion
Clemente Del Vecchio, the youngest of the Del Vecchio siblings, also owns 12.5% of Delfin. This significant stake ties him to the family’s diversified holdings, including EssilorLuxottica. Clemente, along with his brothers, resides in Milan, where they manage their inherited wealth.
These young billionaires not only represent immense wealth but also diverse paths to success. From tech and finance to defense and eyewear, their stories highlight the various ways new generations are shaping the future of global business.
If you liked this blog, make sure to check out our other article: the 5 richest people in the UK.
