There’s a popular myth in the startup world that entrepreneurship belongs to the young. Think hoodie-wearing tech prodigies coding through the night, surviving on ramen and Red Bull. Stories like these dominate headlines and startup lore, reinforcing the belief that if you haven’t built a million-dollar business by 30, you’ve somehow missed your chance.
But Guy Raz, host of How I Built This, is on a mission to dismantle that myth—and the data backs him up.
In Raz’s countless conversations with founders across industries and backgrounds, one theme keeps surfacing: age isn’t a roadblock—it’s a secret weapon.
Related – You Don’t Need a Perfect Plan to Start Your Business Says Guy Raz
The Power of Life Experience
According to research from the Kauffman Foundation, the average age of a successful startup founder is 45. That’s not just a fluke. It’s a reflection of something deeper: experience matters. Whether it’s leadership skills, industry knowledge, emotional maturity, or simply knowing how to bounce back from failure—these are assets earned with time.
And there are plenty of real-world examples that prove it.
- Arianna Huffington launched HuffPost at 54.
- Bob Moore started Bob’s Red Mill at 57.
- Ray Kroc, the man who built McDonald’s into a global powerhouse, was 52.
- Bernie Marcus co-founded Home Depot at age 50.
Raz points out the story of Cynthia Tice, who founded Lily’s Sweets at 57. It wasn’t flashy. It wasn’t fast. But it was real. And it led to a $425 million acquisition built on decades of insight, intuition, and grit.
These founders didn’t start “in spite of” their age. They succeeded because of it.
The Myth of the Perfect Moment
One of the most dangerous beliefs for would-be entrepreneurs is the idea that there’s a perfect time to start. That you need to be younger, richer, freer, or just “more ready.”
But as Guy Raz says: “The timing doesn’t matter nearly as much as the decision to start.”
Take Danny Winer, co-founder of Hexclad, as a case in point. He was nearly 50 when he launched the premium cookware brand—after careers in acting, other ventures, and a lot of trial and error. When he committed, he went all in, risking his savings and betting on himself. Today, Hexclad is a massive success.
Would Guy recommend risking your 401(k) as a standard playbook? No. But he would recommend refusing to let age—or fear—stand in the way.
Why Midlife (or Later) Might Be the Best Time to Start
If you’re in your 40s, 50s, or beyond and wondering if it’s too late, here are three reasons to think again:
- Clarity of Purpose – You’ve seen what matters and what doesn’t. You’re less likely to chase shiny objects and more likely to build something meaningful.
- Stronger Networks – Over the years, you’ve built connections, credibility, and a reputation. These open doors faster than any pitch deck.
- Real-World Resilience – You’ve weathered storms—personal and professional. That kind of endurance is priceless in the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.
Final Thought: Start Anyway
Whether you’re 25 or 75, the biggest differentiator isn’t age. It’s action.
If you’ve been waiting, doubting, or hesitating—this is your sign.
Start small. Start scared. Start smart. But start.
And as Guy Raz might ask: If you’ve launched later in life—how did it shape your journey? And if you’re still waiting to start—what’s holding you back?
Let us know. Your story might inspire the next late bloomer to bloom big.
Related – Remember, Overnight Success Is a Myth Says Guy Raz
