📺 Stream EntrepreneurTV for Free 📺

Are you too Old to be an Entrepreneur? Think Again. "He is doing amazingly well in his business. I wish I could I also do my own thing, but I'm just too old."

By Sania Gupta

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Shutterstock.com

This is nothing new. I hear this too often. Honestly, I hate hearing this because this is far from reality. Even though the relatively young people have all the time in the world to make their business work, there is absolutely no bar on age for those wish to become an entrepreneur. Because it's not about how old you are but how much you believe in your dreams.

Amadeo Giannini (BoA) ,Gordon Bowker (Starbucks)

At the age of 61, Amadeo Giannini had the vision to find Bank of America and Gordon Bowker founded Starbucks at the age of 52.

This makes me wonder if they could do it, why can't you?

The only thing that stops you from starting your dream business and making it big is the way you think and how desperately you want it to happen. If you have the vision to make it happen and are willing to chase your dreams, it will definitely happen.

Ravinder Bhat (TPS)

Ravinder Bhan, Founder TPS Management Consultants, initially started his entrepreneurial journey at the age of 31 but he soon lost the courage to tread on his chosen path. Hence, he went back to the corporate world as a mere professional. Even though he was doing great professionally and there were fancy perks to allure him all the time, he knew his heart lay somewhere else. He was 53 when he decided to listen to the true calling of his heart and jumped on the bandwagon- he started TPS World Learning Mumbai and Dubai. Ravinder could make this happen because he never thought he was too old to start his own business.

Reed Hastings (Netflix)

For those who think, Entrepreneurship is a game only for millennials- it's time to think again. As stated by Reed Hastings, Netflix CEO- He started Netflix DVD rental at the age of 37 and first streaming in his late 40's.

For those who are still not convinced that age is no criteria in becoming an Entrepreneur, there is more to why you must never think that you're too old to be one. The studies suggest that the chances of a business to get successful enhance manifold when the age of a founder is in 40's than 20's. Thus, the average age of successful entrepreneurs is much higher than you may think.

The reasons are obvious. Older the people, more the resources and experience possessed by them. The career spent gaining experience and making contacts in the industry can help them find their niche, draft a perfect business plan and get their idea out there to turn it into a reality.

Sushant Baliwada Patnaik (LLP)

There is an important lesson, however, to be learned from the entrepreneurial journey of Sushant Baliwada Patnaik. He started his company Hiespread Solutions LLP at the age of 41 but the preparations for the journey that lay ahead of him were started much before- when he was only 35. He spent enough time accumulating sufficient funds that he could use for investment as well as personal expenses in the future. Thus, the decision to become an entrepreneur should never be based on a radical choice. Rather, it should be a well-thought and carefully drafted plan executed with a lot of attention and interest.

Sania Gupta

Freelancer

Sania Gupta is also Founder and CEO, Digital Kangaroos, an author, entrepreneur, marketer and blogger. And as a career coach at My Study Destination, she has helped thousands of students realize their dreams.
Thought Leaders

How to Negotiate the Price of a Pricey Premium Domain

Buying a domain at the asking price? That's like buying a used car at the asking price. Doing your homework pays off.

Business News

'My Mouth Dropped': Woman Goes Viral For Sharing Hilarious Cake Decorating Mishap at Walmart

Peyton Chimack has received over 703,000 views on her TikTok post of her birthday cake.

Business News

Jeff Bezos and Amazon Execs Used An Encrypted Messaging App to Talk About 'Sensitive Business Matters,' FTC Alleges

The FTC's filing claims Bezos and other execs used a disappearing message feature even after Amazon knew it was being investigated.

Business News

Ring Camera Owners Will Receive $5.6 Million in Payments After FTC-Amazon Settlement. Here's How Many Customers Are Eligible — And How They'll Get the Cash.

The payouts are a result of a June 2023 settlement with Amazon over privacy violation allegations against the camera company.

Money & Finance

How to Keep Your Startup's Cash Flow Safe from Invoice Scams

Stay ahead of invoice fraud and safeguard your cash flow with proactive steps for new small business owners. Learn to spot warning signs and take action to protect your business's financial health.

Business News

Elon Musk Reveals His Tactics for Building Successful Companies, Including Sleeping Under His Desk and 'Working Every Waking Hour'

Musk shared the secrets on a podcast with Nicolai Tangen, CEO of the $1.6 trillion Norges Bank.