Eight alumni made it onto this year’s Forbes 30 Under 30 list for North America, which features the region’s “brightest young entrepreneurs, leaders, and stars.” The former Firm members on the list represent innovations in technology, education, retail, finance, and venture capital.
CONSUMER TECHNOLOGY
Alex Jones (CHI 15-18) and Erich Kerekes (CHI, SFO 15-18)
Co-founders, Hallow
Alex and Erich made waves in consumer technology with their faith-based meditation app that’s already achieved 1.5 million downloads and 35,000 five-star reviews across 150 countries.
EDUCATION
Ricky Hamilton (CHI, DEN 15-18)
CEO, Galvanize
Ricky was named CEO of Galvanize this year, after negotiating its $165 million sale to a publicly traded online education provider. Managing a staff of 200 employees, Ricky helps students become software engineers, with an average post-graduation starting salary of $80,000.
Felix Ruano (CHI 17-19)
Co-founder and CEO, Emile Learning
Felix believes that “a student anywhere in the world should be able to access any imaginable course, anytime, anywhere.” To further this mission, Emile Learning partners with high schools that have sparse advanced placement offerings or teacher shortages to provide students online courses for credit.
Sasha Seymour (ATL 16-18)
Co-founder and COO, Learn to Win
Sasha is changing the game in cross-industry education. Learn to Win develops customized training and onboarding materials for 150 organizations, including Regeneron, Chick-fil-A, the U.S. Department of Defense, the NFL's Carolina Panthers, and the athletic department of the University of Michigan.
FINANCE
Rahul Raina (CHI 15-18)
Co-founder, TRM Labs
Rahul’s company provides forensic analysis that helps monitor, detect and investigate crypto fraud and financial crime. The company has grown 700 percent since last year and is on track to generate several million dollars in revenue by the end of this year.
RETAIL AND ECOMMERCE
Brenton Howland (CHI 15-17)
Founder and CEO, Forum Brands
Brenton’s company helps third-party sellers navigate Amazon. By acquiring and scaling these businesses, his portfolio has grown to include pet products, eco-friendly baby items, and other consumer goods.
VENTURE CAPITAL
Gaurav Ahuja (DET 14-16)
Partner, Thrive Capital
Gaurav is bringing impact as both a partner at Thrive Capital and as founder and Chairman of Imprint Payments. At Thrive, he serves on many boards including Check, dutchie, Parafin and Stytch. At Imprint, he incubated a fintech company that powers rewards cards for e-commerce brands. Imprint now has 50 employees and has raised $50 million in just a year.