The path to entrepreneurial success has changed dramatically over the last decade.
Regent’s has been at the forefront of these shifts by fostering globally minded graduates through brilliant teaching and transformative learning. Our approach has helped thousands of students gain the knowledge and networks essential for their entrepreneurial journeys.
This same passion for knowledge led us to want to understand more about what the world’s most successful entrepreneurs have in common and how this has changed over the years. To do this, we undertook extensive analysis of the success stories of over 5,000 Forbes 30 Under 30 and Fortune 40 Under 40 recipients.
Here we explore four ways success is changing, with insights from our alumni and academics:
1. Age isn’t holding entrepreneurs back
Today's entrepreneurs are finding business success younger than ever. Our research reveals a higher percentage of successful individuals are founding businesses between the ages of 20-24 than a decade ago. This highlights the vital role of the university experience in broadening horizons, knowledge and networks.
Our alumni can attest to this. Juan Alcaraz founded his software development company, Darkan Technologies, while still immersed in studying International Business at Regent’s. He says, 'Today, I manage a company that is founded on that initial idea that was born at Regent's.'
Expert tip: To maximise the university experience, I encourage students to become industry-ready and map out their possible careers early. This includes exploring a portfolio career with simultaneous roles and side-hustles that allow them to gain lots of experience alongside their degree. This allows them to pivot smoothly in a dynamic and uncertain world after graduation.
– Professor Jonathan A.J. Wilson, Director of International Business at Regent’s
2. Networks are established earlier
Our research also demonstrated that networking is increasingly key to early success. A quarter (25%) of individuals who featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 in the past three years met their business partners at university, compared to just one-fifth a decade earlier.
This emphasises the value of ambitious and like-minded cohorts and robust networking opportunities at university. These formative relationships prove invaluable for entrepreneurs and often lead to business opportunities either during university or immediately after graduation.
As Sofia Jauregui Calderon, Business Development and Operations Manager at handmade interiors company Ames - Vibrant Living, who studied Liberal Studies – Business Management at Regent’s, aptly puts it, 'My network has helped me develop into the person I am today. I met some of my closest friends during my time at Regent's, and we have also found ways to collaborate on a business level.'
Expert tip: Aspiring leaders need self-reliance, resourcefulness, and active engagement in the curriculum. Crucially, they must also embrace collaboration and value connections with peers and industry contacts to become a change-maker.
– Dr John Saint, Director of Business Technology at Regent’s
3. Women are finding more business success
We are also delighted to see a significant rise in female founders achieving business success. Our analysis shows an 8% increase in women on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list and a remarkable 29% increase on the Fortune 40 Under 40 list over the past 13 years. This growth is particularly evident in the health technology industry.
Regent's actively champions equality and has consistently maintained student ratios above 49% to foster an environment where future leaders like Sanjana Balani, Founder of biotech skincare company Potion Inc, can flourish.
Sanjana, who launched her company after studying Luxury Brand Management at Regent’s, says, 'The global network I developed at Regent's was invaluable, bringing diverse perspectives and preparing me to work on an international scale. Additionally, the practical experiences, knowledgeable teachers and academic rigour equipped me with the skills necessary to excel in the luxury goods industry.'
Expert tip: Building a personal brand is crucial for success. This allows entrepreneurial flair and commercial awareness to shine.
– Professor Jonathan A.J. Wilson, Director of International Business at Regent’s
4. A global perspective is crucial
A global perspective and real-world experience are increasingly vital for entrepreneurial success. Our research reveals a record number of successful founders studied at universities outside of the UK and US.
This underscores the critical need for a university education to offer students the international insight required to thrive in the business world. As Florian Berth, AWS Cloud Consultant at tecRacer Consulting, who studied Business, Technology and Entrepreneurship at Regent’s, describes, 'Regent's equipped me with a broader understanding of international business practices and sharpened my problem-solving skills in a multicultural environment. The curriculum, combined with group projects and case studies, provided real-world experience that directly translates into my work with European clients.'
Expert tip: Success in the modern world hinges on understanding current affairs and applying that knowledge to remain nimble and adapt to change.
– Course Leader Julia Robson, MA International Fashion Marketing at Regent’s
Key takeaways
Today's most successful entrepreneurs demonstrate the importance of strong networks, initiative, and a global perspective to achieve success in the modern world. Regent’s University London, with its longstanding expertise and reputation, is uniquely positioned to equip students with the essential tools they need to transform their ambition into achievement.
Are you ready to redefine your own success? Discover life at Regent’s.