In a world where wealth often takes decades to amass, a select group of individuals under 30 have already scaled the financial Everest to become billionaires. The Forbes 2025 Billionaires List highlights 21 such prodigies, with fortunes rooted in family legacies, innovative startups, and sheer entrepreneurial grit. This article dives deep into their stories, exploring how they amassed their wealth, the industries they dominate, and what their rise means for the future of global finance. From German pharmaceutical heirs to self-made tech moguls, these young billionaires are reshaping the economic landscape. Let’s meet them and uncover the secrets behind their staggering success.
Why Young Billionaires Matter in 2025
The emergence of billionaires under 30 is a rare phenomenon, with only 21 individuals making the Forbes 2025 list. Their stories reflect a blend of inherited wealth, technological innovation, and global economic shifts. Understanding their journeys offers insight into wealth creation, generational transfers, and the industries driving the future.
A Snapshot of Youthful Wealth
In 2025, the world’s billionaire population hit a record 3,028, but only 12% are under 50, and a mere 21 are 30 or younger. Most of these young tycoons hail from Europe, with Germany and Italy leading the pack, while others come from Brazil, South Korea, and beyond. Their wealth, often tied to family empires or cutting-edge tech, signals a new era of influence.
The Top 10 Youngest Billionaires in 2025
Below is a detailed look at the top 10 youngest billionaires in 2025, ranked by age, based on Forbes data as of March 7, 2025. Their net worths, sources of wealth, and personal stories paint a vivid picture of ambition and opportunity.
1. Johannes von Baumbach (Age 19, Germany) – $5.4 Billion
At just 19, Johannes von Baumbach is the world’s youngest billionaire, inheriting a stake in Boehringer Ingelheim, the largest privately-owned pharmaceutical company. His family’s legacy, dating back to 1885, has made him and his three siblings billionaires. Johannes keeps a low profile, letting his wealth speak for itself.
A Private Heir’s Quiet Power
Boehringer Ingelheim’s global reach, with medicines for diabetes and respiratory diseases, ensures Johannes’ fortune grows steadily. Despite his youth, he holds no public role in the company, preferring privacy over the spotlight. His story reflects the enduring power of family wealth.
2. Clemente Del Vecchio (Age 20, Italy) – $6.1 Billion
Clemente Del Vecchio, one of six heirs to the Luxottica eyewear empire, inherited a 12.5% stake in Delfin, the family’s holding company. EssilorLuxottica, the maker of Ray-Ban and Oakley, drives his wealth. At 20, he’s more focused on science than corporate boardrooms.
A Young Mind with Big Dreams
Clemente’s interest in technology and education sets him apart from his business-savvy siblings. His fortune, tied to a soaring stock price in 2024, grew by 40%. Yet, he dreams of carving his own path, proving wealth doesn’t define him.
3. Lívia Voigt de Assis (Age 20, Brazil) – $1.1 Billion
Lívia Voigt de Assis, the youngest female billionaire, holds a 3.1% stake in WEG, Latin America’s leading electric motor manufacturer. A psychology student, she inherited her wealth from her grandfather but shuns the corporate limelight for a quiet life.
Balancing Books and Billions
Lívia’s fortune stems from WEG’s global success, with $6 billion in revenue in 2022. She’s more likely to be found in a lecture hall than a boardroom, showcasing how young billionaires can prioritize personal growth over public personas.
4. Kim Jung-youn (Age 21, South Korea) – $1.3 Billion
Kim Jung-youn, alongside her sister, inherited a 9% stake in Nexon, a South Korean-Japanese gaming giant. Her father’s sudden passing in 2022 thrust her into billionaire status at 18. She remains a private figure, letting Nexon’s success fuel her wealth.
Gaming Empires and Quiet Lives
Nexon’s free-to-play model and games like MapleStory have made it a global powerhouse. Kim Jung-youn’s stake ensures her financial security, but her low-key lifestyle highlights a preference for anonymity over fame.
5. Kevin David Lehmann (Age 22, Germany) – $3.4 Billion
Kevin David Lehmann owns 50% of dm-drogerie markt, Germany’s largest drugstore chain. His father transferred the stake when Kevin was 14, and at 22, his wealth continues to grow as dm generates $14 billion annually. He avoids the public eye entirely.
From Teen Trust to Retail Titan
Kevin’s fortune was secured before he could drive, a testament to strategic family planning. With no operational role at dm, his wealth grows passively, proving that sometimes, the best move is no move at all.
6. Luca Del Vecchio (Age 23, Italy) – $6.1 Billion
Luca Del Vecchio, Clemente’s half-brother, also inherited a 12.5% stake in Delfin. Unlike Clemente, Luca is deeply involved as EssilorLuxottica’s chief strategy officer, steering the eyewear giant that dominates global markets.
A Young Leader in the Making
Luca’s hands-on role at EssilorLuxottica shows a billionaire who’s not content to sit back. His strategic decisions helped boost the company’s stock, increasing his wealth. He’s proof that inherited wealth can be a springboard for active leadership.
7. Franz von Baumbach (Age 23, Germany) – $5.4 Billion
Franz, Johannes’ older brother, is another heir to Boehringer Ingelheim’s pharmaceutical fortune. Like his siblings, he holds a $5.4 billion stake but remains out of the public eye, letting the family’s legacy do the talking.
A Family United by Wealth
The von Baumbach siblings’ collective $21.6 billion fortune underscores the power of generational wealth. Franz’s lack of public involvement suggests a focus on personal pursuits, though his financial future is secure.
8. Kim Jung-min (Age 23, South Korea) – $1.3 Billion
Kim Jung-min, Kim Jung-youn’s sister, also holds a 9% stake in Nexon. The sisters became billionaires in 2022 after their father’s death, and both maintain private lives while their gaming empire thrives.
Sisters of the Gaming World
Nexon’s dominance in MMORPGs ensures the Kim sisters’ wealth remains robust. Their decision to stay out of corporate roles reflects a balance between legacy and personal freedom, a common thread among young heirs.
9. Remi Dassault (Age 24, France) – $2.6 Billion
Remi Dassault inherited stakes in Dassault Aviation and Dassault Systèmes after his father’s tragic death in 2021. His family’s aerospace and software empire, founded by his great-grandfather, continues to shape his fortune.
Soaring on a Legacy of Innovation
Dassault’s fighter jets and software solutions are global leaders, and Remi’s wealth reflects that success. At 24, he’s yet to take a public role, but his inheritance positions him as a key player in France’s industrial future.
10. Alexandr Wang (Age 28, United States) – $3.6 Billion
Alexandr Wang, one of only two self-made billionaires on this list, co-founded Scale AI, a data annotation platform powering AI models like ChatGPT. His $1 billion funding round in 2024 valued Scale AI at $13.8 billion.
The Self-Made AI Pioneer
Wang’s journey from MIT dropout to billionaire by 28 is a modern rags-to-riches tale. His company’s work with Microsoft and Meta highlights the AI boom’s impact, making him a standout among inherited fortunes.
| Rank | Name | Age | Net Worth | Source of Wealth | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johannes von Baumbach | 19 | $5.4B | Boehringer Ingelheim | Germany |
| 2 | Clemente Del Vecchio | 20 | $6.1B | EssilorLuxottica, Delfin | Italy |
| 3 | Lívia Voigt de Assis | 20 | $1.1B | WEG | Brazil |
| 4 | Kim Jung-youn | 21 | $1.3B | NXC, Nexon | South Korea |
| 5 | Kevin David Lehmann | 22 | $3.4B | dm-drogerie markt | Germany |
| 6 | Luca Del Vecchio | 23 | $6.1B | EssilorLuxottica, Delfin | Italy |
| 7 | Franz von Baumbach | 23 | $5.4B | Boehringer Ingelheim | Germany |
| 8 | Kim Jung-min | 23 | $1.3B | NXC, Nexon | South Korea |
| 9 | Remi Dassault | 24 | $2.6B | Dassault Aviation | France |
| 10 | Alexandr Wang | 28 | $3.6B | Scale AI | United States |
Comparing Inherited vs. Self-Made Fortunes
The 2025 list reveals a stark contrast: 19 of the 21 youngest billionaires inherited their wealth, while only two—Alexandr Wang and Ed Craven—built their fortunes from scratch. Let’s break down the dynamics.
Inherited Wealth: The Power of Legacy
- Family Empires: Most young billionaires, like the von Baumbachs and Del Vecchios, owe their fortunes to generational wealth transfers. Companies like Boehringer Ingelheim and EssilorLuxottica, built over decades, provide stable, growing fortunes.
- Passive Growth: Heirs like Kevin David Lehmann benefit from passive income, with no operational involvement. Their wealth grows through stock appreciation and dividends.
- Global Reach: European families dominate, with 15 of the 21 hailing from the continent, reflecting strong industrial and financial legacies.
Self-Made Success: The Entrepreneurial Edge
- Tech Titans: Alexandr Wang and Ed Craven represent the tech-driven path to billions. Wang’s Scale AI and Craven’s Stake.com capitalize on AI and crypto trends, respectively.
- Risk and Reward: Unlike heirs, self-made billionaires face higher risks but also greater control over their ventures. Wang’s MIT dropout story is a classic example of betting big on innovation.
- Outliers: Only two self-made billionaires under 30 highlight the rarity of building a fortune from nothing in such a short time.
Pros and Cons of Inherited vs. Self-Made Wealth
Inherited Wealth
Pros:
- Immediate financial security
- Access to established networks and resources
- Passive income with minimal effort
Cons: - Limited personal achievement
- Pressure to uphold family legacy
- Public scrutiny and privacy challenges
Self-Made Wealth
Pros:
- Personal fulfillment and recognition
- Control over business direction
- Potential for exponential growth
Cons: - High risk of failure
- Intense workload and stress
- Lack of initial resources or safety net
This comparison shows that while inherited wealth offers stability, self-made fortunes embody innovation and risk-taking. Both paths, however, shape the global economy in profound ways.
Industries Driving Young Billionaires
The 2025 list spans diverse sectors, from pharmaceuticals to gaming. Here’s a closer look at the industries fueling these fortunes.
Pharmaceuticals: A German Stronghold
Germany’s Boehringer Ingelheim, led by the von Baumbach siblings, underscores the pharmaceutical sector’s wealth-generating power. With global demand for healthcare solutions, their $5.4 billion fortunes are secure.
A Pill for Prosperity
The von Baumbachs’ wealth reflects the stability of healthcare giants. Boehringer Ingelheim’s innovations in diabetes and respiratory treatments ensure long-term growth, even for non-active heirs.
Eyewear: Italy’s Visionary Wealth
The Del Vecchio brothers’ stakes in EssilorLuxottica highlight the eyewear industry’s profitability. With brands like Ray-Ban, their fortunes soared 40% in 2024 due to strong earnings.
Seeing the Future Clearly
EssilorLuxottica’s global dominance, with $6.6 billion fortunes for each brother, shows how luxury and necessity intersect. Luca’s strategic role ensures the company’s continued success.
Technology: The Self-Made Frontier
Alexandr Wang’s Scale AI and Ed Craven’s Stake.com represent the tech sector’s potential for rapid wealth creation. AI and crypto gambling are high-risk, high-reward fields that favor bold innovators.
Coding a Billion-Dollar Future
Wang’s journey from MIT to a $13.8 billion valuation for Scale AI is a testament to tech’s transformative power. His story inspires aspiring entrepreneurs to chase big ideas.
People Also Ask (PAA) Section
Below are real questions from Google’s PAA feature, answered to address user curiosity.
Who is the youngest billionaire in 2025?
Johannes von Baumbach, a 19-year-old German heir to Boehringer Ingelheim, holds the title with a $5.4 billion net worth. His wealth stems from a family legacy in pharmaceuticals.
How many billionaires are under 30 in 2025?
According to Forbes, 21 billionaires are 30 or younger in 2025, with most inheriting their wealth from family businesses. Only two are self-made.
What industries do young billionaires dominate?
Young billionaires in 2025 are tied to pharmaceuticals, eyewear, gaming, and technology. Europe leads in inherited wealth, while tech drives self-made fortunes.
Are there any self-made billionaires under 30?
Yes, Alexandr Wang (Scale AI) and Ed Craven (Stake.com) are the only self-made billionaires under 30 in 2025, with net worths of $3.6 billion and $2.8 billion, respectively.
Lessons from the Youngest Billionaires
These young billionaires offer valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors. Here are key takeaways:
- Leverage Opportunities: Whether through inheritance or innovation, seizing opportunities—be it a family business or a tech startup—is critical.
- Embrace Risk: Self-made billionaires like Wang show that calculated risks in emerging fields like AI can yield massive rewards.
- Stay Grounded: Many young heirs, like Lívia Voigt, prioritize personal growth over public personas, balancing wealth with purpose.
- Think Long-Term: Inherited fortunes thrive on stable, growing industries like pharmaceuticals, while self-made wealth requires constant adaptation.
Where to Learn More About Billionaires
For those eager to dive deeper, several resources offer insights into the world’s richest individuals:
- Forbes Billionaires List: The go-to source for real-time billionaire rankings and profiles. Visit Forbes.com for the latest updates.
- Bloomberg Billionaires Index: Tracks daily changes in billionaire wealth. Check Bloomberg.com.
- Business Biographies: Books like The Everything Store (about Jeff Bezos) or Elon Musk by Ashlee Vance provide inspiration.
Best Tools for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Want to follow in Alexandr Wang’s footsteps? Here are top tools to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey:
- Business Planning: Use LivePlan to create professional business plans.
- Market Research: Statista offers industry data to identify trends.
- Networking: Join LinkedIn to connect with mentors and investors.
FAQ Section
How do young billionaires get their wealth?
Most young billionaires in 2025 inherited their wealth from family businesses in industries like pharmaceuticals, eyewear, and gaming. Only two, Alexandr Wang and Ed Craven, are self-made through tech ventures.
Why are so many young billionaires from Europe?
Europe’s strong industrial base, with family-owned giants like Boehringer Ingelheim and EssilorLuxottica, fosters generational wealth transfers. Germany and Italy lead due to their robust economies.
Can anyone become a billionaire before 30?
While rare, it’s possible through innovation in high-growth sectors like tech. Alexandr Wang’s success with Scale AI shows that bold ideas and execution can lead to billions.
What is the net worth of the youngest billionaire?
Johannes von Baumbach, age 19, has a net worth of $5.4 billion, inherited from Boehringer Ingelheim.
How does inheritance affect young billionaires?
Inheritance provides instant wealth but often comes with pressure to maintain family legacies. Many, like the von Baumbachs, choose privacy over active roles.
The Future of Young Wealth
The 2025 youngest billionaires list reveals a world where legacy and innovation collide. From Johannes von Baumbach’s pharmaceutical fortune to Alexandr Wang’s AI-driven empire, these young tycoons are shaping industries and economies. Their stories—whether of quiet heirs or bold entrepreneurs—offer a glimpse into the future of wealth. As technology evolves and family empires endure, the next generation of billionaires will likely blend tradition with disruption, creating a new chapter in the saga of global finance. Keep an eye on these names; they’re just getting started.
