Young entrepreneurs: they create solutions, move the economy and build the future The Brazilian job market is undergoing a profound transformation. More and more young people are deciding to skip the search for their first formal job to open their own business. Recent data shows that the number of entrepreneurs aged up to 29 has risen from 3.9 million in 2012 to 4.9 million in 2024. This movement suggests a desire for autonomy, but does youthful enthusiasm alone guarantee success? Our study, published by the State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), provides evidence that helps to better understand this phenomenon and allows us to understand what is truly sustainable in this trend. The myth of the young prodigy versus the reality of the data Report published by the newspaper O Globo highlights success stories of young people just over 20 years old. However, academic research provides an important warning about the profile of those who really prosper. The study identifies that the profile of founders with the greatest chances of success are mature professionals, over 40 years old. This evidence refutes the common idea that entrepreneurship is a “young man’s game.” Maturity brings less aversion to calculated risk and greater capacity for achievement. Furthermore, success is closely linked to previous experience in other companies and a solid academic background. Education: the difference between surviving and growing The Sebrae survey shows that the level of education of these new entrepreneurs has increased. The group with complete secondary education went from 33% to 47% in just over a decade. Furthermore, 17% of young entrepreneurs have already completed higher education. Our study confirms academic training as an essential factor for success. More specifically, the study reveals that 70% of founders of successful startups have a postgraduate degree. People with more time studying feel more confident in detecting business opportunities. Formal education helps transform the “will to do” into structured management processes. Without this, the project runs the risk of being just a temporary occupation due to a lack of options. Design: far beyond a “pretty logo” A common point between the recommended report and the research is the importance of technology and differentiation. Many young people use digital tools to make entry into the market cheaper. But the UERJ study shows that one of the secrets to sustainable innovation is good Design management. For many, design is just the aesthetics of the product. From an academic point of view, it is a decision-making process to solve problems creatively. The strategic use of design allows the company to better understand customer needs. This happens through what researchers call the Design Thinking approach. Design Thinking organizes critical thinking in a creative and collaborative way to create solutions that people actually want to use. The challenge of constant learning During a lecture in 2024, UERJ professor and advisor to the Faperj Technology board, Renata Angeli, explained that the exchange of information and experiences is vital for these young people. This statement is consistent with academic findings and is associated with the concept of meta-learning. Meta-learning is, basically, the ability to “learn to learn” continuously. Acceleration programs directly support the development of this competence by allowing the entrepreneur to dedicate himself to his idea. In a world where technologies change quickly, entrepreneurs cannot stop studying. The study suggests that universities need to teach leadership and autonomy in a transversal way. This would prepare the young person to deal with failure, which is still a huge taboo in Brazil. Learning from mistakes is a prerequisite for innovating in uncertain environments. The growth of young entrepreneurship is positive news for the economy. However, for these 4.9 million Brazilians to generate real wealth, it is necessary to go beyond the CNPJ. Science shows that the combination of higher education, market experience and design management is one of the paths that separate a passing idea from a scalable business. The young entrepreneur of 2026 has technology on his side. But he will need management discipline and design sensibility to transform his energy into lasting innovation. Rodrigo Schoenacher was a Capes fellow between 2019 and 2020 and currently holds the position of Director of Operations at Conservation International Brazil.