Every year, Forbes puts out a list of super impressive folks under 30 who are really shaking things up. It’s called the 30 Under 30 list, and it’s a big deal. This year’s 2024 Forbes 30 Under 30 is no different, highlighting a bunch of young people doing amazing things across all sorts of industries. We’re going to take a quick look at some of these game changers who are making their mark.
Key Takeaways
- Rania Zuri is making waves with The LiTEArary Society, a nonprofit that gets books to kids who need them. They’ve donated tons of books already.
- Neel Mehta, who used to work at Microsoft and Google, co-founded Fiber AI. It’s a company using smart tech to help with marketing and has already gotten a good chunk of money from investors.
- Drew Afualo is known for speaking out on women’s rights. She’s also a content creator, hosts a podcast, and wrote a book that hit The New York Times best-seller list.
- Beatrice Dixon is the co-founder and CEO of The Honey Pot Company. She’s been recognized for building a successful business.
- Tori Dunlap runs Her First $100K, a company focused on helping people get a handle on their finances. She’s all about financial freedom.
1. Rania Zuri
Rania Zuri is making some serious waves, and it’s not just in the music scene. She’s a DJ and a content creator, and she’s only 23 years old. You might have seen her around – she was a rookie in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue this year. But don’t let the modeling fool you, her real passion is house music. She’s taught herself how to DJ and has already played some pretty big gigs.
Think F1 Miami Grand Prix, the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Show, and even Spotify’s Women in Music Event. She’s also opened for big names like Kygo and Calvin Harris. This past year, she even did her own headlining tour, selling out clubs in New York, Miami, Chicago, and Vegas. She also hit the stage at Lollapalooza and the Palm Tree Festival.
She’s the only female artist signed to Palm Tree MGMT, which is Kygo’s management company. Her first single, "Body Say," came out in July 2024 and it’s a total bop. Beyond the music, Rania has a huge following online, over 1.6 million people, and she’s partnered with some big brands like YSL Beauty, COACH, and L’Oréal Paris. She’s definitely someone to watch.
2. Neel Mehta
Neel Mehta is making waves in the tech world, and it’s easy to see why. Before co-founding Fiber AI, a startup focused on AI-powered marketing solutions, Neel had already built an impressive resume. He spent time at both Microsoft and Google, working on products that reached millions. At Google, he was a Product Manager on the Chromebook hardware team, even helping to shape the next generation of devices. And before that, at Microsoft, he was involved in launching features for Microsoft Project and Planner, which ended up with a massive user base of 150 million monthly active users. That’s a lot of people using something you helped build!
But Neel isn’t just about building products; he’s also a published author. He’s written three bestselling books on technology strategy, including "Swipe to Unlock." These books have sold over 300,000 copies globally and have been translated into a dozen languages. Pretty cool, right?
What’s also really interesting is his work with the Civic Digital Fellowship. He started this program to get students from top colleges into government roles, focusing on tech and data science. It’s the first program of its kind in the US government, sending over 80 students to federal agencies each summer. It seems like Neel is all about building things that matter and helping others get a foot in the door.
3. Drew Afualo
Drew Afualo is a name you probably know if you spend any time online. She’s become a huge voice for women’s rights, and honestly, it’s about time. You might know her as the internet’s "Crusader for Women," and that title fits. She uses TikTok and other platforms to call out misogyny with a sharp wit that’s both funny and really effective. It’s not just about calling out bad behavior, though; she’s built a massive following, over nine million people, who look to her for inspiration and a dose of reality.
She’s been recognized by some big names, too. Forbes put her on their Top Creators list, TIME called her a Next Generation Leader, and Adweek named her Digital & Tech Creator of the Year. She even got to be the red-carpet correspondent at the Academy Awards in 2023, which is pretty wild. Plus, she hosts "The Comment Section," a podcast that’s doing really well.
Drew also just released her first book, "LOUD: Accept Nothing Less Than the Life You Deserve," on July 30th, 2024. It’s already a New York Times bestseller, which is a huge accomplishment. It seems like whatever Drew Afualo touches turns into something significant, and it’s all because she’s not afraid to speak up and advocate for what’s right. She’s definitely a game-changer for her generation.
4. Beatrice Dixon
Beatrice Dixon is the driving force behind The Honey Pot Company, a brand she co-founded with a clear mission: to create personal wellness products for people with vaginas, made by people with vaginas. Her journey started back in 2014 when she faced a persistent eight-month battle with bacterial vaginosis. The discomfort and the lack of effective solutions available pushed her to take matters into her own hands. She began formulating her own products, leading to the creation of the company’s first item, a wash designed to be safe for the vulva.
Today, The Honey Pot Company has grown significantly. Their product line now includes a variety of items such as feminine washes, wipes, tampons, pads, and other personal health and wellness products. These plant-derived items have made their way into millions of homes across the U.S. and are available in major retailers nationwide.
Key aspects of The Honey Pot Company’s success:
- Origin Story: Founded out of personal necessity and a desire for better solutions.
- Product Range: Expanded from a single wash to a full line of feminine care and wellness products.
- Market Reach: Available in 4.6 million U.S. homes and numerous retail locations.
- Brand Ethos: Focused on plant-derived ingredients and catering specifically to the needs of people with vaginas.
5. Tori Dunlap
Tori Dunlap is a name you’ve probably heard if you’re into personal finance, especially for women. She’s not just a money expert; she’s also a New York Times bestselling author and hosts a popular podcast. What’s really cool is that she managed to save $100,000 by the time she was 25. After that, she left her marketing job to start Her First $100K. The whole point of the company is to help close the money gap for women by giving them practical advice on managing their finances. She’s helped millions of women figure out how to ask for more at work, pay off what they owe, build up their savings, and start investing.
Her book, "Financial Feminist," became an instant bestseller, and her podcast with the same name is a top business show. She’s also been recognized by Forbes on their 30 Under 30 list. Plus, she co-created Treasury, a platform for learning about investing that already has over $60 million invested. You might have seen her on shows like Good Morning America or read about her in The New York Times. Now, she travels around, talking and writing about money, online businesses, and how women can build confidence.
6. Ankur Jain
Ankur Jain is a name that keeps popping up when you talk about big ideas in business. He’s the guy behind Bilt Rewards, which is basically the biggest program out there for renters to pay rent and get rewards, all while helping them think about buying a place. It’s pretty neat because it works with a ton of big apartment owners across the country.
Before Bilt, Jain was involved with Kairos, a venture studio that tries to build companies to solve major world problems, focusing on things like housing and healthcare costs. He even spent time at Tinder as Head of Product, which is a wild jump from building companies to fix societal issues, but shows he’s got a wide range of experience. He’s been recognized by Forbes as a billionaire, which is a pretty big deal.
Here’s a quick look at some of his past ventures and recognitions:
- Kairos: A venture studio focused on making essential services more affordable.
- Tinder: Served as Head of Product.
- Humin: Founded and led this company before it was acquired by Tinder.
- Forbes: Named a billionaire in April 2024 and previously on the 30 Under 30 list.
- World Economic Forum: Recognized as a Young Global Leader.
7. Josh Harris
Josh Harris is a name that pops up a lot when you talk about big business and sports. He’s been around for a while, building up companies and getting involved in some major sports teams. Think of him as someone who knows how to build things from the ground up and then make them even bigger.
He’s the guy behind 26North, which is a pretty interesting investment company. They look at different kinds of investments, trying to get good returns without taking on crazy risks. It’s all about working with others and focusing on areas like private equity and credit.
Before that, Harris was a big part of Apollo Global Management. He spent over 30 years there, helping to turn it into a huge player in the investment world. He was involved in some really big deals, like the LyondellBasel transaction, which was a massive success. He also played a role in growing Athene, an insurance company.
But Harris isn’t just about finance. He’s also a major figure in sports. He founded Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), and through that, he’s involved with teams like the Philadelphia 76ers and the New Jersey Devils. He’s also a managing partner for the Washington Commanders, which is a pretty big deal.
Beyond the business and sports side, Harris also puts a lot of energy into giving back. Through Harris Philanthropies, he supports young people with sports and education programs. He’s also focused on helping diverse communities build wealth and improving health and education outcomes. It seems like he’s trying to make a difference where he can.
8. Jordan Bentley
Jordan Bentley is the guy behind Hypland®, a streetwear brand that’s really made a name for itself, especially in the anime scene. He started this whole thing when he was just 14, working out of his mom’s dining room. Pretty wild, right? Now, Hypland® is a big deal, pulling in over $70 million and getting noticed at major events like Complexcon.
Bentley’s journey is pretty impressive:
- Started Hypland® at 14.
- Graduated from UC Irvine with a degree in International Studies and Business Management.
- Secured partnerships with big names like Netflix, NBA, and Hello Kitty.
He even got a nod from Forbes back in 2023 for his work in e-commerce. You might have also seen him on HBO Max’s "Sweet Life: Los Angeles," which gave people a look into his life as a young entrepreneur.
9. Jenk Oz
Jenk Oz is a name you’ll be hearing a lot about, and for good reason. At just 19, he’s already a social entrepreneur, a public speaker, and the driving force behind Thred Media. This isn’t just some side hustle; Thred Media is a whole social enterprise focused on publishing, media, consulting, and production, all aimed squarely at Generation Z. It’s pretty wild to think about all he’s accomplished already.
What’s really interesting is how Thred Media operates. They’ve got this website, thred.com, which is all about social change and youth culture. It’s published in 17 different languages and reaches over 350,000 teens and young adults every month from all over the globe. They’ve even picked up a bunch of awards for their work, like the Digiday Greater Good Award and an Anthem Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award. On top of that, Jenk launched ThredMedia.com, which is basically his Gen Z consulting hub. He’s helping big brands and agencies figure out what Gen Z is all about – their beliefs, how they act, and what they’re into. Clients include folks like Coke, Google, and Microsoft.
Jenk’s also been recognized by some pretty big names, like Forbes and Business Insider. He’s been on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, Media Week 30 Under 30, and even the Diana Award Honour Roll. Beyond the business side, Jenk is a piano player and a DJ, which is a cool mix. He’s also a big advocate for social change and youth employment, speaking at tons of conferences, including a few TEDx talks. It’s clear he’s not just building a business, but trying to make a difference too.
10. Jenny Lei and more
This section highlights some of the incredible young talent making waves, including Jenny Lei, the visionary behind Freja New York. Lei started her company during her final year of university, driven by a personal need for a functional yet stylish work bag. Freja New York is built on the idea that women’s bags should be more than just accessories; they need to be timeless, luxurious, and practical, all while being made responsibly.
Beyond Lei, the list continues to showcase a diverse group of innovators. We see individuals like Jenk Oz, a young social entrepreneur and founder of Thred Media, a company dedicated to serving Generation Z through publishing, media, and production. Oz’s work demonstrates a strong commitment to social change and empowering young voices.
These individuals, and many others on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, are not just achieving success; they’re redefining industries and inspiring a new generation. Their stories are a testament to what can be accomplished with passion, innovation, and a willingness to take risks.
Looking Ahead
So, that’s a wrap on this year’s Forbes 30 Under 30 list. It’s pretty wild to see all the young people doing such big things. They’re not just dreaming up ideas; they’re actually making them happen, changing industries, and showing us all what’s possible. It really makes you wonder what they’ll accomplish next. This list isn’t just a snapshot of today; it’s a peek at the future, and honestly, it’s pretty exciting to think about where these innovators will take us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Forbes 30 Under 30 list?
The Forbes 30 Under 30 list is an annual recognition that highlights 30 young people in 20 different categories who are making a big impact. These individuals are seen as the brightest young stars in business, technology, arts, and more, shaping the future with their innovative ideas and hard work.
Who are some of the people featured on the 2024 list?
The 2024 list includes a diverse group of talented individuals. Some of the notable names you’ll find are Rania Zuri, who is making a difference in early childhood literacy, and Neel Mehta, a co-founder of a company using AI for marketing. The list also features creators like Drew Afualo and entrepreneurs such as Beatrice Dixon and Tori Dunlap.
How does Forbes choose who makes the 30 Under 30 list?
Forbes looks for young people who are not just successful but are also changing their fields. They consider their achievements, the impact they’re having, and their potential for future success. It’s about recognizing those who are truly game-changers before they become widely known.
What kind of impact are these young leaders having?
These young leaders are making waves in many ways. Rania Zuri, for example, is working to provide books to children who don’t have many, while Neel Mehta is using smart technology to help businesses. Others are advocating for important causes, building new companies, or creating art that inspires people.
Can anyone be nominated for the 30 Under 30 list?
While Forbes doesn’t explicitly state a nomination process for the public, the list is compiled by Forbes editors and a panel of expert judges. They identify and research potential candidates who fit the criteria of innovation and impact within their industries.
What is the significance of being on the 30 Under 30 list?
Being named to the 30 Under 30 list is a significant honor. It brings recognition to the honorees’ hard work and innovative contributions. It often opens doors to new opportunities, partnerships, and greater influence, helping them to further their impact on the world.
