10 Billionaire Entrepreneurs Who Started From Zero

Whether it’s creating clothes to sell or landing on the moon, we are all driven by a desire to make a mark on society and find joy and fulfillment. While happiness means different things to different people, many agree that accumulating wealth is a significant source of happiness and a common goal.

In this article, you’ll uncover the inspiring stories of individuals who started from zero to billionaire. Get ready to discover the untold journeys of 10 billionaires who began with nothing and rose from humble beginnings to achieve immense wealth.

As Investopedia explains, a person is considered a billionaire when they possess a billion units of their native currency. In this article, we’ll use the dollar as our base currency. We’ll focus on those who started without family inheritance, large cash benefits, or crowdfunding. Let’s dive in!

The journeys of entrepreneurs who started with nothing and achieved great success are both enlightening and inspiring. These tales not only depict the classic “rags to riches” narrative but also impart important lessons about tenacity, resourcefulness, and foresight.

In this blog post, we explore the journeys of ten such entrepreneurs, showcasing how they built themselves and their profitable companies with minimal funding.

1. Jan Koum: From Relying on Food Stamps to WhatsApp Billionaire

Jan Koum’s journey is a testament to perseverance, creativity, and a clear goal. From living off food stamps to becoming a multimillionaire businessman, Koum’s story is an inspiration for anyone in the technology and business industries.

Early Struggles and Determination

Koum moved from Ukraine to the US, facing severe financial troubles. Living in a small, government-subsidized home, Koum and his mother struggled to make ends meet. Despite these obstacles, Koum was determined to change his situation. While in high school, he developed an interest in programming and read manuals from a used bookstore to hone his skills. Koum’s early life is a striking example of how perseverance and a strong desire to learn can lead to future success.

Launching WhatsApp

Koum’s idea for a messaging app that didn’t require much advertising materialized into WhatsApp, revolutionizing the way people communicate. Launched in 2009 with co-founder Brian Acton, WhatsApp quickly became one of the most widely used messaging services globally, known for its simplicity, reliability, and privacy-focused features.

WhatsApp’s Success and Sale

In 2014, Facebook purchased WhatsApp for $19 billion, making Koum one of the world’s richest individuals. WhatsApp’s user base grew rapidly post-acquisition, reaching billions globally. The rise and sale of WhatsApp illustrate the significant financial impact of innovative digital products and inspire countless entrepreneurs to build something revolutionary and profitable.

2. Howard Schultz: Brewing Success with Starbucks

Howard Schultz transformed Starbucks from a small local coffee bean retailer into a massive global coffeehouse chain. His journey exemplifies vision, leadership, and a deep understanding of consumer needs.

Early Life

Growing up in public housing in Canarsie, Schultz secured his first job at twelve, peddling newspapers before working in a café. Schultz attended Northern Michigan University and supported his family by working in a coffee shop. Inspired by Italy’s coffee culture, he dreamed of introducing a similar coffeehouse experience in the US.

Expanding Starbucks

Schultz reimagined the coffee shop model, emphasizing quality and customer experience. Under his leadership, Starbucks quickly grew domestically and internationally. His innovative approach to community involvement, customer service, and store design built a loyal customer base. In 2022, Starbucks earned $3.28 billion in net income and $32.25 billion in revenue, employing over 402,000 individuals across more than 35,000 stores in 80 countries.

3. Steve Jobs: The Pioneer of Personal Computing

Steve Jobs, born in San Francisco in 1955, became a symbol of innovation and creativity in the tech world. His journey from launching Apple in a garage to becoming a pivotal figure in personal computing, animation, music, and mobile communications is truly inspirational.

Invention of Apple

In 1976, Jobs co-founded Apple Inc. with Steve Wozniak, turning it into a telecommunications powerhouse. Jobs oversaw the introduction of groundbreaking devices like the iPod and iPhone, combining technology and art to create beautiful and functional products.

4. Oprah Winfrey: From Poverty to Media Empire

Oprah Winfrey’s rise from poverty to media mogul and international philanthropist showcases her tremendous talent and perseverance. Her story highlights the value of tenacity, compassion, and the capacity for profound human connection.

Early Life

Born in Kosciusko, Mississippi, Winfrey’s early life was marked by poverty. Her passion for speaking and reading earned her a scholarship to Tennessee State University. Her move to Chicago to host a low-rated morning talk show marked the turning point in her career, transforming the show into one of the highest-rated talk shows in Chicago.

Building a Media Empire

In 2003, Winfrey became a millionaire. She founded Oprah.com, co-produced a Broadway musical, debuted Oprah Radio, and founded OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. By 2023, Winfrey’s net worth was reported at $2.8 billion, illustrating the value of creating content that resonates with people’s hopes and experiences.

5. Sophia Amoruso: Fashion’s Rebel Success Story

Sophia Amoruso’s rise in the fashion industry through Nasty Gal demonstrates the value of personal branding and entrepreneurial spirit. Her journey from running a one-woman eBay business to becoming the CEO of a fashion empire showcases creative problem-solving and a unique brand identity.

Nasty Gal’s Beginnings

Starting with a small eBay store, Amoruso turned her love of vintage clothing into Nasty Gal in 2006. Her sharp fashion sense and deep understanding of her customers enabled her to curate a selection that resonated with a broad audience.

Amoruso’s Unique Branding

Despite Nasty Gal’s bankruptcy in 2015, Amoruso reinvented herself. She now encourages and motivates budding entrepreneurs through Girlboss.com and her podcast “Girlboss Radio,” pushing them to take risks, embrace setbacks, and never give up.

6. John Paul DeJoria: From Living in a Car to Billionaire Entrepreneur

John Paul DeJoria, co-founder of Paul Mitchell hair products and The Patrón Spirits Company, embodies the American Dream, rising from homelessness to business success.

Early Life

Born in Los Angeles, DeJoria faced early financial struggles, selling newspapers and Christmas cards to support his family. Living in a car, he began his career in the beauty industry by working for a hair care company.

Building Paul Mitchell and Patrón

With just $700, DeJoria co-founded John Paul Mitchell Systems, expanding it into a global brand. Later, he revolutionized the premium tequila market with Patrón Tequila, emphasizing quality and craftsmanship.

7. Sam Walton: The Retail Visionary

Sam Walton, founder of Walmart and Sam’s Club, exemplifies entrepreneurial vision and innovative retail techniques. Walton started as a single-store owner and built Walmart into the world’s largest retail chain.

Early Years

Walton’s journey began with a variety store in Newport, Arkansas. His revolutionary approach focused on passing savings to customers, driving higher sales volumes. In 1962, Walton launched the first Walmart in Rogers, Arkansas.

Expansion and Technology

Walton pioneered retail technology, using barcodes and advanced logistics systems. His focus on efficiency, direct manufacturer purchases, and innovative expansion strategies established Walmart as a retail giant.

8. Do Won and Jin Sook Chang: Founders of Forever 21

Do Won and Jin Sook Chang launched Forever 21 in Los Angeles in 1984, embodying the American Dream. Starting with a 900-square-foot apparel shop, their first-year sales totaled $700,000.

Rapid Success

Jin Sook’s talent for identifying trends and the Changs’ strategy of quickly rotating products and maintaining low prices led to Forever 21’s remarkable success.

9. Roman Abramovich: From Orphan to Billionaire

Roman Abramovich’s journey from poverty to riches began in Saratov, Russia. After his parents passed away, he was raised by his grandmother and uncle.

Early Business Ventures

In the early 1990s, Abramovich entered the oil and gas industry, quickly establishing himself as a shrewd businessman. He acquired Chelsea Football Club in 2003, transforming it into one of the world’s most successful clubs.

Philanthropy and Politics

Abramovich is known for his charitable contributions and served as governor of Russia’s Chukotka region from 2000 to 2008. He established the Roman Abramovich Foundation in 2004 to support diverse global initiatives.

10. Ralph Lauren: Founder of Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren, starting from nothing, built one of the world’s largest fashion and clothing empires, generating an estimated $7 billion annually.

Early Life

Lauren, raised in New York City’s Bronx, worked in sales and attended night school for business. Inspired to create his own neckwear, he launched his distinctive tie line under the Polo brand in 1967.

The Clothing Brand

Lauren’s designs reflected an affluent aesthetic, combining classic tailoring with a feminine touch. His signature mesh sport shirt, introduced in 1972, became iconic. Lauren’s label quickly grew into an empire, expanding into home furnishings and diverse apparel lines.

Final Thoughts

These ten billionaire stories demonstrate that success is achievable even for those who start with almost nothing. They persevered, worked hard, and took calculated risks, driven by a passion to change the world. Despite the challenges they faced, they proved that anyone can become a successful entrepreneur. The key is to work hard, stay committed, and never give up on your dreams.

Is your business journey just beginning? Need guidance and inspiration to achieve your entrepreneurial dreams? At Excell Industries, we believe in turning potential into prosperity. Reach out to us today and let’s start building your success story.

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