Founds a quantitative trading firm in 2017 at age 25
Founds a cryptocurrency exchange in 2019 at 27
On the 2021 Forbes “30 under 30” list at 29, and is recognized as a billionaire
Found guilty of wire fraud and conspiracy in 2023
Currently in prison
Sam Bankman-Fried got to $1b before 30, and he didn’t inherit his wealth (but he certainly started with a lot more wealth than most people). But, the way he managed to hit $1b before 30 was via massive fraud. Without massive fraud, I don’t know how you go from an entry level job at 22 to $1b just 8 years later.
Here’s a counter-example that proves the rule:
Sam Bankman-Fried got to $1b before 30, and he didn’t inherit his wealth (but he certainly started with a lot more wealth than most people). But, the way he managed to hit $1b before 30 was via massive fraud. Without massive fraud, I don’t know how you go from an entry level job at 22 to $1b just 8 years later.