Who are the world's youngest self-made billionaires?

Brendan Foody, Adarsh Hiremath, and Surya Midha are the world's youngest self-made billionaires, all at 22 years old.

Mercor is an artificial intelligence recruiting startup founded by three young entrepreneurs.

How did Mercor achieve a $10 billion valuation?

Mercor achieved its $10 billion valuation through rapid growth, significant funding rounds, and a strong annualized revenue run rate.

Home / Business and Economy / 22-Year-Olds Become Self-Made Billionaires with AI Startup

22-Year-Olds Become Self-Made Billionaires with AI Startup

2 Jan

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Summary

Three 22-year-olds became self-made billionaires in 2025.
Their AI recruiting startup, Mercor, achieved a $10 billion valuation.
Mercor was launched from dorm rooms in 2023 and expanded globally.

22-Year-Olds Become Self-Made Billionaires with AI Startup

In a remarkable display of entrepreneurial success, three individuals have achieved self-made billionaire status at the young age of 22. Brendan Foody, Adarsh Hiremath, and Surya Midha are the minds behind Mercor, an artificial intelligence recruiting startup founded in 2023.

The journey for these young entrepreneurs began in their dorm rooms at Harvard and Georgetown. Within two years, Mercor experienced explosive growth, achieving seven-figure annual revenues and establishing a presence in 25 countries. By September 2025, the company reported an impressive annualized revenue run rate of $500 million.

Further solidifying their success, Mercor secured a substantial $350 million in funding in October 2025, in a round led by Felicis Ventures. The company has since been valued at $10 billion, with each co-founder holding approximately a 22% stake, amounting to roughly $2.2 billion each.