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It’s that time of year again. We’re now accepting nominations for the 2023 Forbes Under 30 list. And let me tell you: Forbes’ editors read every single one. Nominate, nominate, nominate!
I’ve been editing this list now for a minute (this is my ninth Under 30 list) so here are answers to the questions I get asked the most:
Is it better to self-nominate or have a nominator?
It truly doesn’t matter. If your nominator is Bill Gates, that’s great–but if his submission for you is simply “put her on the list,” it’s not very helpful. The best type of nomination is one that provides concrete details (numbers, backers, impact) on you or your buddy.
How do I get on the list?
There’s no one way to get on the list. We consider a variety of factors (detailed below).
Can you tell me more about the selection process?
First, we task Forbes’ beat reporters with running an Under 30 category. Then, the reporting teams read every submission and solicit nominations from Under 30 alums, academics, VCs, trusted sources and industry insiders. From there, they identify the most promising candidates and send them to a panel of heavyweight judges (Taylor Swift, Mark Cuban, Tory Burch and Padma Lakshmi have judged in the past). We tabulate their scores and feedback, and produce the final list.
How do I know if I made the list?
Due to the volume of submissions and the nature of the project, no one ever finds out they made the list until the day of publication. We also do not send receipts of submission confirmation–so no need to ask!
I’m not sure what category to nominate for and I don’t want to miss my chance by applying under the wrong category?
Our Under 30 reporting team is tight–if there’s a submission that an editor believes is a better fit for a different category, we’ll circulate it internally.
Do I have to include my company’s revenue?
It’s extremely helpful, but it’s not mandatory.
How did [insert name] get on the list?
Well, we consider a number of factors: problem solving, revenue, funding, company size, backstory and diversity when making the list. They likely made it by a variety of factors.
When is the birthdate cutoff?
Nominees must be 29 or younger on December 31, 2022.
What if my cofounder makes it and I don’t?
All under 30 cofounders of the same company make the list.
Do you have to be under 30 to make the list?
Yes! This is the one rule!
What’s the submission deadline?
The deadline for North America nominations is September 1, 2022. (Coincidentally, my 29th birthday, blergh!)
Submit your Forbes Under 30 2023 nomination
Do you know someone creating the next Instagram, Stripe or Spotify? Nominate them (or yourself!) today.
This Week’s Money Moves
Under 30-founded digital payments platform Xendit raised $300 million in a Series D round led by Coatue and Insight Partners, bringing its total amount raised to $538 million. (Forbes)
Though this type of news has proved thematic in the Under 30 universe, it may become more exceptional. This month, more than 5,400 workers have been let go, according to data from Layoffs.fyi, a website that tracks tech employment. That’s more people cut in two weeks than in any full month since January 2021. Goodbye tech la la land. (Forbes)
In other explosions, crypto ecosystem Terra Luna–valued at $60 billion–has lost its entire value in just a few days. This is a profile of its founder, an Icarus for the Web 3 age. (New York)
It’s clearly not all roses and venture capital sunshine in startup land. Kyle Robertson, who cofounded mental health telemedicine company Cerebral, and whom we featured on our 2021 Under 30 healthcare list, has been ousted as the company’s CEO. This news comes as the company faces a Department of Justice investigation over its prescribing practices for controlled substances, including ADHD medications. (Forbes)
Charli D'Amelio turned 18 (she made the Under 30 list at 16) and was flooded with demands to start an OnlyFans, part of a long history of harmful sexualization young stars face. (Insider)
These are the highest-paid, under 25-year-old athletes in the world. They’re all making upwards of $37 million. (Forbes)
One of these sporty youngsters is the controversial Jake Paul, who is making $38 million before taxes in the boxing ring, even though he has never fought a professional boxer. (Forbes)
“You have to be comfortable with just telling the truth,” says philanthropist-entrepreneur-reality TV star-American hero Bethenny Frankel in an interview with Moira Forbes. (Forbes)
Wouldn’t we all like a more authentic alternative to Instagram? Turns out the startups trying to fill the narcissistic void are, well, complicated and short-lived. (Vox)
Lonely dudes are getting catfished on OnlyFans, and it’s making this Miami marketing bro very rich. (New York Times Magazine)
The Highest Paid Athletes in 2022
The top 50 sports stars combined to make nearly $3 billion in a year, crushing the record
Read on →
