Think You’re Too Old to Start a Biz? Meet 10 Entrepreneurs Who Proved You Wrong!

As we usher in the New Year, it’s a perfect time to ponder the perks of youth versus the trials of aging. Yet one undeniable truth is clear: entrepreneurship is ageless.

Across the globe, a multitude of dynamic individuals have harnessed their unique experiences to launch thriving enterprises well after turning 50. Icons like Colonel Sanders of KFC and a host of local trailblazers remind us that age is simply a number when it comes to innovation and success.

Let’s dive into ten extraordinary entrepreneurs who embraced their journeys later in life and have redefined success:

1. Colonel Harland Sanders (KFC): At the age of 62, Harland Sanders transformed his beloved chicken recipe into the global phenomenon we know as Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). After various jobs—including stints as a railwayman and an insurance salesman—he captured local attention with his culinary skills at a service station in Kentucky. Despite a devastating fire at his location, Sanders rebuilt and opened a restaurant in 1952. By 1964, KFC boasted over 600 locations. Today, there are nearly 18,800 outlets worldwide, making KFC a staple in 118 countries and territories, with a whopping market cap of $9.2 billion.
2. Ray Kroc (McDonald’s): At the age of 52, Ray Kroc turned his sales acumen into a fast food empire when he opened his first McDonald’s franchise. After decades selling milkshake machines, Kroc saw potential in the McDonald brothers’ small burger joint. By 62, he bought the company and scaled it into a global powerhouse. Now, McDonald’s operates over 41,800 locations in more than 100 countries, boasting a market cap of $176.2 billion.
3. Bernie Marcus (The Home Depot): After being let go from his CEO position at Handy Dan at 50, Bernie Marcus co-founded The Home Depot. Opening the first two stores in Atlanta in 1979, he envisioned a one-stop shop for home improvement. Despite a rocky start—including an infamous promotional stunt that backfired—Home Depot has soared to prominence with a market cap of $373.2 billion.
4. Amadeo Giannini (Bank of America): At 61, Amadeo Giannini founded Bank of America in 1908, with a mission to provide banking services to immigrants and the working class. The bank has since grown into a financial giant, boasting an annual revenue of $82.2 billion in 2021 and a current market cap of $326.4 billion.
5. Arianna Huffington (The Huffington Post): Arianna Huffington launched The Huffington Post at 54, creating a vital platform for news and opinion that would later be acquired by AOL for $304 million in 2011. Under her leadership, the site became the first digital media company to win a Pulitzer Prize in 2012.
6. Peter Donnelly (Genomics plc): At 54, Peter Donnelly co-founded Genomics plc in 2014, capitalizing on his academic prowess to revolutionize healthcare through genomics. His company focuses on analytics for genome sequences, pushing the frontiers of precision medicine and drug discovery while raising €79.7 million over six funding rounds.
7. Wally Blume (Denali Ingredients): Wally Blume founded Denali Ingredients at 57, launching the beloved Moose Tracks ice cream. With over 40 flavors and an annual revenue nearing $77 million, Blume’s extensive dairy experience set the stage for his sweet success.
8. Taikichiro Mori (Mori Building Company): Taikichiro Mori pivoted from academia at 55 to create a real estate empire. His strategic developments reshaped Tokyo and, by the 1990s, he was recognized as the world’s richest man, amassing a net worth of $14.5 billion through his real estate ventures.
9. Lady Amanda Feilding (Beckley Psytech): In a bold move at 76, Lady Amanda Feilding co-founded Beckley Psytech to delve into the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics. Her decades of research have positioned her company at the forefront of mental health innovation, raising €90 million in funding.
10. Dr. Carmen Hijosa (Ananas Anam): At 60, Dr. Carmen Hijosa launched Ananas Anam, introducing Piñatex—a sustainable textile made from pineapple leaf fibers. Her innovative approach not only provides eco-friendly alternatives for the fashion industry but also creates economic opportunities for pineapple farmers. By 2022, her venture raised €3.6 million over eight funding rounds.

According to a 2009 report from the Kauffman Foundation, entrepreneurship isn’t just a young person’s game. In fact, American tech entrepreneurs in their fifties are starting businesses at twice the rate of those in their twenties. The study highlights that 92% of founders possess at least a bachelor’s degree, with many pursuing further education—especially in business and STEM fields—showcasing the undeniable value of experience and lifelong learning.

So, if you’ve ever thought it was too late to chase your entrepreneurial dreams, think again! It’s never too late to make your mark and join the ranks of successful innovators. With determination and experience as your allies, success can indeed come at any age.