Forbes has released its inaugural 30 Under 30 list featuring a range of young media go-getters including Cheek Media founder Hannah Ferguson, Shameless Media co-founders Zara McDonald and Michelle Andrews and the Daily Aus’ co-founders Zara Seidler & Sam Koslowski.
The list also includes sporting heroes Ariarne Titmus, Jessica Fox, Mary Fowler and Oscar Piastri, musicians The Kid Laroi, Troye Sivan and Tkay Maidza and social change champions Chanel Contos and Awer Mabil.
Tech and science innovators such as Stephanie Claire Smith, Dylan Coyne and Grace Brown also feature as does unreasonably tall actor Jacob Elordi and Tammy Hembrow and Davie Fogarty.
Annie Liao, founder of AI learning platform Build Club — who also spoke at a recent Women Leading Tech Alumni Breakfast — also features.
Find out more: Tech Leaders: AI Skills Gap In Australia Is “Frightening” As We Face Massive Societal Problems To Overcome Gender Inequality
Forbes Australia editor-incChief, Sarah O’Carroll, said: “Our 30 Under 30 list is one that is right for our times because today, in many fields, being young is an advantage. In the past, building something remarkable required a lot of experience, resources and mentorship. But over the past two decades, digital natives – those born with technology in hand – have a natural advantage in disrupting industries.
“The inaugural Australian list covers eight categories – from technology and sport to Hollywood and social impact – and 30 of the brightest minds and stars under 30. What these individuals share is unrelenting ambition and an undeniable drive to leave their mark. People are always intrigued by what’s next and who’s leading the charge.”
Forbes Australia 30 Under 30 list editor, Anastasia Santoreneos, said: “Against a backdrop of rising start-up funding, growing capabilities in AI and increasing interest in space tech, Australia’s young entrepreneurs are making strides in the region. Sustainable growth and international expansion are high on the agenda for our tech entrepreneurs, and a global mindset is key.
“Then there are our women sporting legends who took on the Olympics – and smashed it. Our media and entertainment finalists have been busy diversifying their revenue streams and content strategies to move off-platform, while the music and arts category is also bursting with young talent.
“Our finalists have banked more than $100 million in funding, received 14 gold medals, have a social media reach of more than 120 million, four Grammy nominations, one Golden Globes win, nine Billboard Music nominations and five wins. More than 700 jobs had been created by the businesses of our listees. And their average age is just 24. This is just the beginning!” she said.
THE FORBES AUSTRALIA 30 UNDER 30 LIST:
Abhishek Maran, Rampersand (finance and VC)
Andrew Pankevicius, Lucas Sargant, Alexander Valente, Redactive AI (technology)
Annie Liao, Build Club (finance and VC)
Ariarne Titmus (sport)
Awer Mabil, Barefoot to Boots (social impact)
Chanel Contos, Teach Us Consent (social impact)
Christopher Durre, Max Mito, Kieran Start, StrongRoom AI (technology)
Davie Fogarty, The Oodie (retail and e-commerce)
Dylan Coyne, Updoc (science and healthcare)
Grace Brown, Andromeda Robotics (science and healthcare)
Hamish McKay, Order Editing (retail and e-commerce)
Hannah Ferguson, Cheek Media (media and entertainment)
Jacob Elordi (music and the arts)
Jessica Arthur, Lauren Rugolo, Emma Spiliopoulos, Lash Therapy (retail and e-commerce)
Jessica Fox (sport)
Mason Yates, Blackbird VC (finance and VC)
Mary Fowler (sport)
Matthew Crott, Matthew Boustred, ResusRight (science and healthcare)
Matt Gordon, Jesse Waller, Inner Steps (social impact)
Natasha Etschmann, Tash Invests (media and entertainment)
Oscar Piastri (sport)
Sam Crowther, Kasada (technology)
Shoaib Iqbal, Przemyslaw Lorenczak, Esper Satellite Imagery (technology)
Stephanie Claire Smith, Kic (technology)
Tammy Hembrow, Saski/TammyFit (retail and e-commerce)
The Kid Laroi (music and the arts)
Tkay Maidza (music and the arts)
Troye Sivan (music and the arts)
Zara McDonald, Michelle Andrews, Shameless Media (media and entertainment)
Zara Seidler, Sam Koslowski, The Daily Aus (media and entertainment)
