CEOs of four companies based in New York, two in Texas, and one each in Georgia, Florida and New Jersey are among Forbes’ America’s America's Most Promising CEOs Under 35.
Forbes said it compiled the list from the broader ranking of “America’s Most Promising Companies,” consisting of privately held companies that applied and agreed to disclose revenues. That list was compiled by New York-based CB Insights.
Although they may not be household names yet, each runs a dynamic, high-growth business with bright prospects for the future, the report said. For example, one of the youngest on the list, 26 year-old Ben Kaufman of Quirky has raised more than $90 million in venture capital from top tier firms like Andreessen Horowitz.
Here’s a snapshot of some of the young tycoons on the list:
Anthony Casalena, 30, Squarespace, New York
“Heads an online platform for creating and managing websites. Started the company with a $20,000 loan from his father in 2004.”
Ben Lerer, 31, Thrillist, New York
“Lerer, the son of Huffington Post cofounder Ken Lerer, founded Thrillist in 2005. The digital media company offers city guides for metropolitan hubs like New York City, Miami and San Francisco.”
Matee Aini, 32, Plyfe, New York
“Aini's Plyfe helps brands run interactive, incentive-based online marketing campaigns. In return for interacting with brands’ social media pages or answering market research questions, users earn points redeemable for concert tickets, vacations and other prizes. Aini cofounded the company in 2011.”
Ben Kaufman, 26, Quirky, New York
“This wunderkind CEO has raised more than $90 million in venture funding for Quirky, which runs an online community that votes on invention ideas. The company then finances manufacturing and distribution for winning projects.”
John Arrow, 25, Mutual Mobile, Austin, Texas
“Mutual Mobile chief started the company with four friends from the University of Texas as an undergraduate in 2009. The company creates branded mobile and tablet apps for businesses.”
Jonathan Klein, 32, Cimation, Houston
“Cofounded and runs this IT consulting firm for energy companies. Klein helped spin Cimation out of Audubon Engineering, consulting company for the energy industry, in 2009.”
Elliot Bohm, 32, CardCash, East Windsor, N.J.
“Bohm’s CardCash buys unwanted giftcards and resells them to consumers at a discount to the original purchase price. Previously founded Discount Stop, a site for eBay discounts, and Surftel, a voice-over internet phone company.”
Zalmi Duchman, 32, The Fresh Diet, Surfside, Fla.
“Duchman started Fresh Diet with $500 out of his Miami apartment in 2005. The company delivers a day's worth of healthy food (three meals and two snacks) to customers who pay monthly subscription fees.”
Vijay Proddhutur, 30, CodeForce 360, Alpharetta, Ga.
“Based out of Alpharetta, Ga., Proddhutur serves as co-CEO of the technology consulting and outsourcing firm he helped found in 2010.”
Kiran Yarlagadda, 27, CodeForce 360, Alpharetta, Ga.
“Based out of Alpharetta, Ga., Yarlagadda serves as co-CEO of the technology consulting and outsourcing firm he helped found in 2010.”