What do all these people have in common? They started their companies AFTER 40. We often hear about some 21 year old starting his/ her business from their garage/ kitchen. This can make anyone over the age of 30 or even 40 (gasp!) question whether they are too old to start a business. But, a recent Forbes article revealed a study conducted by MIT, Northwestern, Wharton and the U.S. Census Bureau, that the average age of startup founders was 42. The study showed “that the likelihood of success as a founder increases with age until the age of 60. The older you get, the more likely your chances of success are. A 50-year-old founder is twice as likely to build a thriving enterprise that has either an IPO or a successful acquisition as a 30-year-old founder.” This makes sense – when you’re older, you have more capital, experience and a greater network.
So who are some of these successful founders over 40?
- Vera Wang designed her first dress at 40.
- Eric Wang founded Zoom at 41.
- Toni Morrison wrote her first novel at 40.
- Martha Stewart didn’t publish her first cookbook until 41.
- Sam Walton founded Walmart at 44.
- Julia Child wrote her first cookbook at 50.
- Arianna Huffington launched The Huffington Post at 55.
- Chip Wilson founded Lululemon at 42.
- Momofuku Ando created the famous Top Ramen instant noodles at 48.
- Henri Nestle launched Nestle at 52.
- John Foley co-founded Peloton when he was 42.
I included my photo in the collage because if you believe you deserve it, the universe will serve it. Manifesting my vision as a successful business owner as I celebrate another year around the sun.
To my fellow Capricorns, happiest birthday to you! Celebrate the fact that we are overachievers, persistent, honest, sensitive and self-disciplined.