# Gen Z as founders, how they are acting?

The face of entrepreneurship is getting younger. Gen Z — those born between 1997 and 2012 — are stepping into the startup game with bold ideas, a native fluency in technology, and a defiant attitude toward outdated systems. Unlike previous generations who followed the traditional playbook of college degrees, corporate ladders, and slow career growth, Gen Z is rewriting the rules in real-time. They’re not waiting for permission or funding to build businesses — they’re doing it in their bedrooms, on Discord servers, and through social platforms. But what’s really behind this shift? Why are Gen Zers turning to entrepreneurship in such large numbers — and how are they reshaping what it means to be a founder?

Let’s break it down!

## A generation raised on the internet

To understand Gen Z’s approach to entrepreneurship, you need to understand the environment they grew up in

This generation didn’t witness the birth of the internet — they were born into it. By the time many Gen Zers hit their teens, smartphones and social media were already deeply integrated into everyday life. Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok didn’t just entertain them — they educated and inspired them. Gen Z had access to tutorials, startup journeys, side hustle breakdowns, and business failure post-mortems all at their fingertips

They saw creators like Emma Chamberlain go from YouTube vlogger to fashion icon and business owner. They watched Ben Francis build Gymshark into a billion-dollar brand before turning 30. They followed startups like Glossier and Canva — led by young founders disrupting legacy industries. And the message was clear: you don’t have to wait until you're older or have an MBA to start something meaningful.

![Image by cake.com](img/снимок-экрана-2025-04-10-143007.png "Image by cake.com")

Image by [cake.com](https://cake.com/empowered-team/gen-z-workforce-statistics/)

## Why is Gen Z choosing entrepreneurship?

There are several key reasons why Gen Z is increasingly choosing to launch their ventures instead of pursuing traditional 9-to-5 careers

### 1. Economic uncertainty

Gen Z came of age during — and after — the Great Recession. They saw their Millennial siblings struggle with debt and underemployment. Then the pandemic hit during their formative years. These repeated economic shocks made it clear that job security no longer exists. A 2023 report by Deloitte found that 46% of Gen Zers say they live paycheck to paycheck and 75% believe they will need side hustles to make ends meet.

Rather than relying on traditional employment, many are choosing to create their own sources of income. It’s not just about passion — it’s a practical response to a broken economic system

### 2. Access to free tools and platforms

The barrier to entry for starting a business has never been lower. Gen Z doesn’t need a lot of capital or connections to build a company. They can launch a product on Shopify in a weekend, design their brand using Canva, promote it on TikTok for free, and accept payments through Stripe or Venmo. This is a generation of digital builders

A report by Morning Consult found that 50% of Gen Z adults have considered starting a business — and many already have. The rise of "micro-entrepreneurship" — where people run one-person brands from their phones — is driven by these tools

### 3. Values-driven innovation

Gen Z isn’t just building businesses to make money — they want to make a difference. According to a 2022 IBM survey, 75% of Gen Z respondents said it’s important that a brand reflects their values. That translates into how they build their own companies. They prioritize sustainability, mental health, inclusivity, and transparency

Ziad Ahmed, founder of JUV Consulting — a Gen Z-led marketing agency that advises Fortune 500 companies on how to better connect with youth. He launched the company as a teenager because he felt brands were constantly talking down to his generation. Now, JUV has worked with brands like Nike and Unilever, helping them reshape their messaging through authentic youth voices

## Notable Gen Z founders making waves

The headlines are catching up — Gen Z entrepreneurs are already building impressive businesses that defy expectations

* Mikaila Ulmer, founder of Me & the Bees Lemonade, started her company at just four years old and turned it into a national brand stocked in Whole Foods. Now in her early 20s, she’s a sought-after speaker and investor in youth entrepreneurship
* Alana Andrews, founder of So Positive Initiative and author of “Creating Confidence”, used her own struggles with confidence and entrepreneurship to launch a program that empowers other Gen Z kids to lead with impact
* Josh Browder, born in 1997, created DoNotPay, the “world’s first robot lawyer” to help people fight parking tickets and navigate legal bureaucracy without hiring expensive attorneys. He was just 19 when he launched the service
* Ben Pasternak, who dropped out of school at 15, built several apps and eventually founded SIMULATE, the plant-based food tech startup behind NUGGS, a viral chicken nugget alternative
* Avery Akkineni, president of Vayner3, entered the Web3 space early and led global campaigns for brands exploring NFTs and blockchain experiences — all before turning 30

## Stats that show the shift

The trend isn’t just anecdotal — the data backs it up

* According to a 2022 GoDaddy report, one in five Gen Zers say they already run their own business
* A Shopify study found that 62% of Gen Z entrepreneurs started their business as a side hustle, and 44% want to make it their full-time job
* In a survey by SCORE, 38% of Gen Z respondents said they believe entrepreneurship offers the best career path, compared to 25% of Millennials
* Y Combinator, the legendary startup accelerator, saw a 38% increase in founders under 25 in its 2022 cohort

## Rewriting the founder playbook

Gen Z doesn’t follow the Silicon Valley model of founders in hoodies pitching VCs in boardrooms. They are building in public, validating ideas on social media, and growing communities before they even register a company. Platforms like TikTok, Reddit, and Discord have become their idea labs — where product-market fit is tested through memes and comment sections

They’re skeptical of traditional hierarchies and prefer flatter, more collaborative structures. Many don’t even identify as “CEOs” — they’re creators, operators, or community leads. They’re less obsessed with raising millions and more focused on building sustainable businesses that reflect who they are

## Challenges they face

It’s not all hype and hustle. Gen Z founders face serious challenges

* Age bias: Investors and customers sometimes don’t take young founders seriously
* Mental health strains: The pressure to hustle, perform, and constantly be “on” can lead to burnout
* Funding gaps: Despite their innovation, Gen Z founders often struggle to access traditional venture capital — particularly if they’re from underrepresented communities

But true to form, they’re building around those obstacles too. They’re raising funds through crowdfunding, building lean businesses, and prioritizing balance and authenticity over growth at all costs

## The future is peer-led

What makes Gen Z founders especially powerful is how peer-driven their success is. They support each other — promoting friends’ businesses on social media, sharing resources in group chats, and building networks of digital collaborators around the world. They believe in community over competition

As they grow older and gain influence, Gen Z entrepreneurs will redefine work culture, reshape industries, and create entirely new sectors. We’re already seeing this in climate tech, creator economy startups, femtech, and mental health platforms — all areas where Gen Z is innovating faster than legacy companies can keep up

## Final thoughts

Gen Z isn’t waiting for permission to lead — they’re already doing it. They’re founding businesses not because it’s trendy, but because it’s necessary. They want more autonomy, more meaning, and more impact — and entrepreneurship gives them that path

They are not here to play by the rules — they are here to rewrite them.

And the rest of the world is starting to pay attention.

What does the next era of entrepreneurship look like?

Gen Z as founders: Why young entrepreneurs are rewriting the rules

# How to promote your startup

The marketing of a startup can be particularly challenging, especially if resources are tight. With focus and creative planning, however, it is possible to promote a business strategically and save money in the process. In this case, we look at different ways to promote a startup and analyze what each method has to offer and its shortcomings as well some notable examples.

### Understanding your target audience

Planning for any business campaign must include audience identification as the first step. Knowing the ideal customers helps you ensure that any marketing by the startup resonates with their preferences. Take for example, Airbnb focused their marketing on people looking for an affordable but unique place to stay. By doing so, the business was able to position itself quite well in the hospitality industry. This approach also makes sure that resources spent are efficient. Market research is important for defining your audience, but it also tends to be the most tedious part of the plan.

![Image from Pexels](img/group-casually-dressed-business-people-discussing-ideas-office.jpg "Image from Pexels")

Image from Pexels

### Crafting a solid marketing strategy

As soon as you know your audience well, the next step is to create a complete marketing plan. A good example of a startup that used a referral program well in its plan is Dropbox. By providing extra storage space for each referral, they increased their user base tremendously. A well-thought-out strategy provides a roadmap for your marketing and helps set measurable short-term and long-term goals. However, the creation of such a plan may be time-consuming, with lots of market analysis and comprehension of your business objectives.

### Building a professional website

It is very important to have a good online presence in today's digital age. Your website is the face and information source of your startup to your potential customers.\
\
Warby Parker created a visually appealing and easy-to-use website that showcases their eyeglasses and offers a smooth online shopping experience. A good-looking site makes it simple for people to trust the brand, thus making it easy for them to identify with it. It might be challenging to establish the site at first, especially for those who are not tech-savvy. Luckily, there are many easy-to-use platforms that make it easy to create a website.

### Embracing SEO

So that people can find your site, good SEO practice is crucial. Moz, a software company, is well known for being experts in SEO and has used content marketing to get more visibility. Good SEO makes your site more findable in search engines, earning you free visitors and enabling you to reach potential customers without having to pay for advertising. SEO, though, is not something you do and forget; it takes ongoing effort and regular updates to remain relevant in search rankings.

### Harnessing the power of blogging

Content marketing is a great way to get the attention of your audience and keep them interested. Starting a blog enables you to provide valuable information, tips, and updates about your niche. Buffer, for example, which is a social media management tool, has established a strong brand by publishing valuable and interesting blog posts that appeal to their audience.\
\
Creating quality content makes your startup become a thought leader and also boost your SEO. The problem is how to keep up the posting schedule and come up with new ideas that engage your audience.

### Leveraging social media marketing

Social media websites are potent tools for promoting your startup. Beauty brand Glossier has made great use of Instagram to interact with followers, post user-generated content, and create a community around the product. They post interesting content regularly and interact with followers, gaining loyalty. However, to stand out in a saturated social media world, you need to possess creativity and dedication to interact consistently.

### Exploring email marketing

Email marketing is still one of the most powerful ways of internet marketing. By building an email list, you can directly send your audience updates, promotions, and valuable information. OptinMonster, a lead-generation tool, provides free stuff as incentives to increase their subscriber list. The toughest part is writing good emails and not being seen as spam, which will make people unsubscribe.

### Collaborating with influencers

With influencers within your niche can help increase your credibility and profile. Fashion Nova, a clothing company, has achieved success by collaborating with well-known social media influencers to market their products. Influencers can help introduce your brand to their followers, giving you valuable exposure. However, it takes thought to find the right influencers who share your brand values and have an active following.

### Utilizing free startup platforms

Getting involved in startup platforms enables you to network with investors, mentors, and like-minded entrepreneurs. Sites like Y Combinator, AngelList, and WeFunder provide resources and a place to meet others that can help your startup grow. For example, Reddit has several communities (subreddits) where entrepreneurs can ask for advice and share their stories. The problem is getting heard in the midst of many startups trying to get noticed.

### Engaging in community events and networking

Attending local events, workshops, and networking meetups allows you to meet your potential customers and partners and promote your startup as well. Meetup.com is a decent site for finding local events related to your business interest. Having a network in your local community can translate into word-of-mouth marketing, which works superbly well for startups. But, establishing real relationships takes effort and time.

### Conducting webinars and workshops

Hosting webinars or workshops is a great way to showcase your expertise and interact with your audience. HubSpot hosts webinars on marketing, sales, and customer service frequently, offering great information and selling their software in the process. Such live sessions can offer great information while selling your product or service. The key is to market the event well to get participants and make the content interesting and informative. 

![Image from Pexels](img/businesspeople-working-finance-accounting-analyze-financi.jpg "Image from Pexels")

Image from Pexels

### Focusing on customer reviews and testimonials

Encouraging satisfied customers to write reviews can really boost your credibility. Yelp is one very popular site for businesses to showcase customer reviews, and positive reviews are proof that can sway the minds of new customers. But managing negative feedback and always having positive reviews up does take some attention to detail.

### Continuous improvement and adaptation

Netflix is one company that constantly takes the opinions of its consumers and the dynamics of the market into consideration and modifies its content and plans accordingly. By constantly reviewing your marketing plans, you are able to see what is working and what is not working. The challenge is how to plan for the long term while needing to respond to market trends. 

## Final thoughts

It is hard to market a startup when you have a limited budget, but you can accomplish it through creativity and determination. If you understand your audience, create a good plan, and use several marketing tactics, you can grow your brand without breaking the bank. The secret is to continue trying and be open to changing as you explore numerous marketing options. Each of these strategies has been successfully employed by various startups, proving that with the right approach, even limited resources can yield significant results.

Learn more about the best strategies with The Cymes!

The first 100 users: growth strategies for budget-free startups 

# Analyzing real cases of instant launch

Every day, new ideas emerge, and many entrepreneurs strive to turn their visions into successful companies. But what if you don’t have time for lengthy deliberations and planning? In this article, we will explore several real cases where startups were launched in just one week and analyze what helped them achieve success.

## 1. Example: Buffer

### Launch story:

Buffer is a social media management app that allows users to schedule posts and analyze their effectiveness. Its creator, Joel Gascoigne, launched it in 2010 in just one week. The idea came to him when he faced challenges in planning Twitter posts.

### How it was done:

**Idea and research:** Joel started with a simple survey among friends to determine if there was demand for such a service. He used platforms like SurveyMonkey to gather opinions and understand the needs of his target audience.
**Minimum Viable Product (MVP):** Instead of developing a complex app, he created a simple webpage with a registration form. This allowed him to build a database of potential users and gauge their interests.
**Marketing:** For marketing, Joel leveraged social media and various forums like Reddit to attract attention to his project. He also launched a blog to share his progress and development process.
**Feedback:** After launching, he actively sought user feedback, which helped him improve the product. He organized several meetings with users to gather additional insights into what they wanted from the service, fostering a sense of involvement and support.

**Results**

Buffer quickly gained popularity and became a leader in the social media management market. The lesson from this case is not to be afraid of starting small. The key is to obtain feedback and adapt the product to meet customer needs.

![Image from Pexels](img/pexels-olly-941555.jpg "Image from Pexels")

Image from Pexels

## 2. Example: Zappos

### Launch story:

Zappos is one of the largest online retailers of shoes and clothing, founded in 1999. Its founder, Tony Hsieh, launched the company in record time.

### How it was done:

**Testing the idea:** Tony started with a simple website displaying photos of shoes taken from local stores. When someone placed an order, he bought the pair from the store and shipped it to the customer. This minimized inventory costs and tested demand.
**Focus on customer service:** From the beginning, Zappos emphasized excellent customer service. This attracted many buyers and helped the company build a reputation as a reliable retailer. Tony implemented a policy of free shipping and returns, significantly increasing customer trust.
**Quick adaptation:** Tony and his team constantly made changes based on customer feedback, allowing them to quickly adapt to market demands. They began incorporating new technologies to enhance the user experience, including virtual shoe fitting.
**Team culture:** Zappos established a unique corporate culture focused on values like customer service and fun. This attracted talented employees who were motivated to achieve results.

### Results:

Zappos became one of the most recognized brands in its niche and was acquired by Amazon for $1.2 billion in 2009. The Zappos case shows the importance of focusing on customer experience and being flexible in decision-making.

## 3. Example: Airbnb

### Launch story:

Airbnb is a platform for short-term housing rentals, founded in 2008. Founders Brian Chesky, Joe Gebbia, and Nate Blecharczyk launched their startup during a financial crisis.

### How it was done:

**Problem and solution:** The founders noticed a lack of affordable lodging during conferences in San Francisco and decided to allow people to rent out their apartments. They started by listing their own place to test the concept.
**Prototype:** They created a simple website allowing homeowners to list their offerings. Initially, it was a basic platform, but it quickly attracted attention. They used high-quality photos to enhance the appeal of listings and implemented a review system.
**Marketing:** They initially used social media and personal contacts for promotion. Later, they advertised on Craigslist, significantly increasing user numbers. They also collaborated with bloggers and influencers to raise awareness of their product.
**Feedback and improvement:** The founders actively collected user feedback to enhance the platform. This led to the introduction of new features like a rating system and search filters.

### Results:

Today, Airbnb is a multi-billion dollar company that has changed the rental market. The Airbnb case underscores the importance of identifying a real problem and offering a simple solution.

## 4. Example: Instagram

### Launch story:

Instagram was founded in 2010 by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger. Initially, the app was called Burbn and focused on photo sharing and geolocation.

### How it was done:

**Idea and shift in focus:** After the initial launch of Burbn, the team realized that users were primarily interested in the photo-sharing feature. They quickly pivoted to create a platform exclusively for sharing images, focusing on simplicity and user-friendly design.
**Minimum Viable Product (MVP):** The development of the new version took just a few days. The team prioritized ease of use and quick photo sharing, making the app intuitive.
**Launch and marketing:** Instagram was launched in October 2010 and quickly went viral. The team used social media for promotion and actively engaged with users, encouraging them to share content.
**Feedback and evolution:** Instagram continued to gather feedback and introduce new features like filters and commenting. This fostered a user community, which became a key element of its success.

### Results:

Instagram was acquired by Facebook for $1 billion just two years after its launch. The Instagram case demonstrates how quickly changing strategy and focusing on users can lead to success.

## 5. Example: Slack

### Launch story:

Slack is a team communication platform launched in 2013. Founders Stewart Butterfield, Eric Costello, Karl Morah, and Fred Kreyger created it as a side project for their game Glitch.

### How it was done:

**Idea and testing:** After shutting down Glitch, the team decided to use their technology to create a new product that would allow teams to communicate effectively. They started with internal use and testing within their team.
**Minimum Viable Product (MVP):** The team quickly developed the necessary features for testing. Within a few months, they created an app that combined chat elements, integrations with other services, and file sharing capabilities.
**Marketing and launch:** Slack was launched in August 2013 and rapidly gained popularity among startups and small businesses. The team employed viral marketing and attracted attention through social media and discussion platforms.
**Feedback and evolution:** Slack actively collected feedback and implemented new features like integrations with other tools and the ability to create channels. This helped the platform quickly adapt to user needs.

### Results:

Slack quickly became one of the leading tools for team communication, achieving a valuation of over $7 billion in just a few years. The Slack case illustrates the importance of utilizing existing resources and being open to change.

![Image from Pexels](img/pexels-hillaryfox-1595385-2-.jpg "Image from Pexels")

Image from Pexels

## Lessons from the cases

### 1. Start small

All successful startups began with simple ideas and minimum viable products. Don’t be afraid of limited resources—they can become your advantage. Use them to create prototypes and test your ideas.

### 2. Gather feedback

Customer feedback is key to improving your product. Be open to criticism and adapt quickly to changes. Create surveys and conduct interviews to gain deeper insights into customer needs.

### 3. Focus on customer experience

Excellent customer service can be your main competitive advantage. Remember, satisfied customers are your best advertisers. Train your team to engage with customers and implement loyalty systems.

### 4. Utilize social media

Social media is a powerful tool for promoting your startup. Use it to attract attention and build a community around your product. Run contests and promotions to encourage users to share your product.

### 5. Flexibility and adaptability

Successful startups can quickly adapt to market changes. Stay updated on trends and be ready to modify your strategy. Use analytics to track the success of your marketing campaigns and product effectiveness.

### 6. Continuous learning and growth

Never stop at what you’ve achieved. Keep learning and adopting new technologies and approaches. Monitor competitors and study their successes and failures. This will help you stay one step ahead.

### 7. Network effect

Creating a community around your product can significantly increase its value. The more users you have, the more value they bring to each other. Invest time and resources in building and supporting this community.

## Final thoughts

Launching a startup in a week is a feasible task if you have a clear understanding of your idea and the willingness to adapt quickly. By studying successful cases, we see that many began with simple solutions that addressed specific problems. Don’t be afraid to experiment, gather feedback, and focus on your customers. Your startup could be the next big success!

Creating a successful startup requires not only a great idea but also the ability to respond quickly to changes and to listen to your customers. By following these principles, your path to success will become significantly easier.

Want to know the formula? Read incredible stories!

Startup in a week: a breakdown of real cases of instant launch

## Must attend startup events in spring 2025

Spring 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting season for tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and investors. With a lineup of game-changing conferences across Europe, now is the perfect time to connect with industry leaders, discover groundbreaking startups, and explore the latest innovations. But with so many choices, where should you focus your attention? Here’s your guide to the must-attend events and what makes each one a standout opportunity.

## **[March 25-26: Tech.eu Summit (London, UK)](https://tech.eu/event/2025/summit-london/)**

**Why Attend?** Europe’s tech ecosystem is booming, and Tech.eu Summit is where the biggest names in the industry gather to discuss investment trends, startup scaling, and corporate innovation. This is a must-attend event if you’re looking to gain insight into Europe’s startup landscape and network with investors ready to fund the next big idea.

## **[April 24-25: EU Startups Summit (Valletta, Malta)](https://www.eu-startups.com/summit/)**

**Why Attend?** This event is all about early-stage startups. If you’re a founder looking for funding, this is the place to pitch your idea to top investors. Plus, with Malta’s growing reputation as a hub for digital nomads and fintech startups, the networking opportunities here are unmatched.

## **[May 7-8: Turing Fest (Edinburgh, Scotland)](https://turingfest.com/)**

**Why Attend?** A perfect blend of product development, marketing, and startup growth strategies. Turing Fest is the go-to event for those looking to scale their business while staying ahead in the ever-evolving tech landscape. Plus, Edinburgh’s rich history and tech-friendly atmosphere make it an inspiring backdrop.

## **[May 8-16: ViennaUP (Vienna, Austria)](https://viennaup.com/)**

**Why Attend?** ViennaUP is more than a conference—it’s a festival of innovation spread across multiple venues in the city. From sustainability and social impact to AI and fintech, this event brings together startups, investors, and corporates to shape the future of technology.

## **[May 12-14: PODIM (Maribor, Slovenia)](https://podim.org/podim-story-since-1980/)**

**Why Attend?** If you’re looking for a more intimate setting to connect with top investors and innovators, PODIM is the place to be. Known as one of the best deal-making events in the region, it provides a platform for startups to secure funding and scale internationally.

## **[May 12-16: Iceland Innovation Week (Reykjavík, Iceland)](https://www.innovationweek.is/)**

**Why Attend?** The coolest innovation event in the world—literally. Set against Iceland’s stunning landscapes, this event is all about bold ideas, deep tech, and sustainability. It’s where creative minds meet to push the boundaries of what’s possible in tech.

## **[May 21-23: Latitude59 (Tallinn, Estonia)](https://latitude59.ee/)**

**Why Attend?** Estonia is a digital powerhouse, and Latitude59 reflects that. This event is a hotspot for tech startups, government officials, and investors discussing the future of digital societies, blockchain, and AI-driven solutions.

## **[May 28-29: Infoshare (Gdańsk, Poland)](https://infoshare.pl/)**

**Why Attend?** One of the biggest tech conferences in Central and Eastern Europe, Infoshare is where developers, marketers, and founders come together to discuss software, AI, and business growth strategies. The mix of technical workshops and business networking makes it a must-visit.

## **[May 28-29: Dublin Tech Summit (Dublin, Ireland)](https://dublintechsummit.tech/)**

**Why Attend?** If you want to experience Ireland’s thriving tech scene, this is the place to be. Dublin Tech Summit brings together global tech giants, fast-growing startups, and investors to discuss everything from AI and cybersecurity to fintech and Web3.

### **Finding the perfect event for you!**

No matter your focus, there’s a tech event tailored to your needs this spring. If you’re a startup founder looking to scale, EU Startups Summit and PODIM offer the best opportunities to secure funding and strategic partnerships. Interested in the future of deep tech and innovation? Iceland Innovation Week and ViennaUP should be at the top of your list. For those eager to network with global tech leaders and investors, Dublin Tech Summit and Tech.eu Summit provide the perfect stage.

Startup conferences of spring 2025

Which event will you be attending?

WE INVITE ALL TALENTED AUTHORS TO JOIN OUR COMMUNITY🤗 ADD YOUR PUBLICATION AND TAKE THE FIRST STEP TO A WORLDWIDE AUDIENCE!