The realm of billionaires is a fascinating mosaic of inherited wealth and self-made fortunes. While most of the youngest billionaires have inherited their wealth, a few have navigated the complexities of entrepreneurship and innovation to build their fortunes. This article delves into the lives of the top ten youngest billionaires in the world as of May 7, 2024, according to the Forbes real-time billionaires list.
Top Ten Youngest Billionaires in the World
Global Rank | Name | Net Worth | Age | Country |
2648 | Livia Voigt | $1.1 B | 19 | Brazil |
682 | Clemente Del Vecchio | $4.6 B | 20 | Italy |
2159 | Kim Jung-youn | $1.5 B | 20 | South Korea |
1097 | Kevin David Lehmann | $3.1 B | 21 | Germany |
682 | Luca Del Vecchio | $4.6 B | 22 | Italy |
2159 | Kim Jung-min | $1.5 B | 22 | South Korea |
1431 | Remi Dassault | $2.4 B | 23 | France |
665 | Zahan Mistry | $4.7 B | 25 | Ireland |
2648 | Dora Voigt de Assis | $1.1 B | 26 | Brazil |
665 | Firoz Mistry | $4.7 B | 27 | Ireland |
1. Livia Voigt
Net Worth: $1.1 Billion
Age: 19
Country: Brazil
Source of Wealth: WEG
Livia Voigt is the youngest billionaire in the world at just 19 years old. She is one of the largest individual shareholders of WEG, the largest manufacturer of electrical motors in Latin America. Her grandfather, Werner Ricardo Voigt, co-founded the company. Despite her significant shareholding, Livia still attends university and holds no executive position in the company.
2. Clemente Del Vecchio
Net Worth: $4.6 Billion
Age: 20
Country: Italy
Source of Wealth: EssilorLuxottica, Delfin
Clemente Del Vecchio inherited his wealth following the passing of his father, Leonardo Del Vecchio, the chairman of EssilorLuxottica. Clemente holds a 12.5% stake in Delfin, a holding company with a diverse portfolio including stakes in EssilorLuxottica, Generali, Mediobanca, UniCredit, and Covivio. He has a keen interest in science and technology and plans to pursue higher education in these fields.
3. Kim Jung-youn
Net Worth: $1.5 Billion
Age: 20
Country: South Korea
Source of Wealth: NXC, Nexon
Kim Jung-youn, along with her sister Jung-min, holds about 18% of NXC, the largest shareholder in the online gaming company Nexon. Their wealth was inherited from their late father, Kim Jung-ju, the founder of Nexon. Both sisters maintain a low public profile and are not actively involved in Nexon’s operations.
4. Kevin David Lehmann
Net Worth: $3.1 Billion
Age: 21
Country: Germany
Source of Wealth: Drugstores
Kevin David Lehmann owns a 50% stake in Germany’s dm (Drogerie Markt), a major drugstore chain with annual revenues around $14 billion. His father, Guenther Lehmann, transferred this ownership to him in 2017. Kevin David maintains a private life and does not participate in the company’s operations.
5. Luca Del Vecchio
Net Worth: $4.6 Billion
Age: 22
Country: Italy
Source of Wealth: EssilorLuxottica, Delfin
Luca Del Vecchio is another heir of the late Leonardo Del Vecchio. He holds a 12.5% stake in Delfin and serves as the chief strategy officer, actively engaging in the company’s strategic decisions. Delfin’s portfolio includes significant holdings in EssilorLuxottica and other major financial and real estate companies.
6. Kim Jung-min
Net Worth: $1.5 Billion
Age: 22
Country: South Korea
Source of Wealth: NXC, Nexon
Kim Jung-min, like her sister Jung-youn, inherited a substantial share of NXC. The sisters together hold about 31% of the company, making them the largest shareholders of Nexon. They both prefer to keep a low profile and are not actively involved in the company’s management.
7. Remi Dassault
Net Worth: $2.4 Billion
Age: 23
Country: France
Source of Wealth: Dassault Aerospace and Software
Remi Dassault is a member of the prominent Dassault family, known for Dassault Aviation, a leading aerospace company. His father, Olivier Dassault, was a significant political figure before his untimely death in a helicopter crash in 2021. The Dassault family also has interests in vineyards, a private aeronautic company, and the daily newspaper Le Figaro.
8. Zahan Mistry
Net Worth: $4.7 Billion
Age: 25
Country: Ireland
Source of Wealth: Shapoorji Pallonji Group
Zahan Mistry inherited his wealth from his father, Cyrus Mistry, former chairman of Tata Sons. He holds an 18.4% stake in Tata Sons and a 25% stake in the Shapoorji Pallonji Group. Zahan is actively involved in the family’s construction empire and has a keen business acumen.
9. Dora Voigt de Assis
Net Worth: $1.1 Billion
Age: 26
Country: Brazil
Source of Wealth: WEG
Dora Voigt de Assis, the older sister of Livia Voigt, is also a major shareholder of WEG. She graduated from an architecture college in 2020 and, like her sister, does not hold any executive position in the company.
10. Firoz Mistry
Net Worth: $4.7 Billion
Age: 27
Country: Ireland
Source of Wealth: Shapoorji Pallonji Group
Firoz Mistry, the elder brother of Zahan Mistry, inherited a part of the family’s stake in Tata Sons. He holds a 25% stake in the Shapoorji Pallonji Group and is known for his strategic foresight and business acumen. Firoz pursued his education at the University of Warwick and is actively involved in the family’s business operations.
The youngest billionaires in the world in 2024 present a mix of inherited wealth and burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit. While most of them have inherited their fortunes, their journeys are marked by a blend of maintaining family legacies and pursuing their own paths in various fields. From Brazil to South Korea, these young billionaires showcase the global nature of wealth and the diverse industries contributing to their fortunes.
As these young billionaires continue to grow and evolve, their stories will undoubtedly inspire future generations of entrepreneurs and investors. The blend of tradition and innovation they embody highlights the dynamic and ever-changing landscape of global wealth.