20 Entrepreneurs Who Are Building Empires in 2023

20 Entrepreneurs Who Are Building Empires in 2023
In the world of entrepreneurship, there come a few individuals in every era who transcend conventional success and set their sights on building empires that shape their industries and leave an indelible mark on the business sphere. In this article, we proudly present a list of 20 such extraordinary entrepreneurs who are redefining the boundaries of success and achievement. We have explored the captivating stories of these visionary trailblazers, showcasing their unwavering determination, innovative strategies, and unparalleled impact. From disrupting traditional business models to pioneering groundbreaking technologies, these entrepreneurs have taken bold leaps of faith, transforming their visions into thriving empires.
- Sam Altman
Sam Altman is a prominent entrepreneur and investor who has left an indelible mark on the startup scene. He served as the president of Y Combinator, one of the most influential startup accelerators globally, and helped launch and scale numerous successful ventures, such as Airbnb, Dropbox, and Stripe. Altman is also a co-founder of OpenAI, the research organization that created ChatGPT, a highly popular AI language model.
Altman has been passionate about technology and entrepreneurship throughout his career. He founded Loopt, a location-based social networking app while studying at Stanford University. Since then, he has been actively investing in and advising startups in various sectors.
Moreover, Altman is a devoted philanthropist and political activist, advocating for initiatives such as universal basic income and criminal justice reform. With his groundbreaking ideas and relentless work ethic, Sam Altman is a true visionary in the realm of entrepreneurship.
2. Alex Hormozi
Alex Hormozi is a versatile entrepreneur, business leader, consultant, speaker, and YouTuber who is well-known for his exceptional skills in helping businesses scale from the ground up. As the founder and managing partner of Acquisition.com, Hormozi specializes in targeted acquisition strategies that aid businesses in boosting revenue and profitability.
Hormozi’s journey toward success started as a personal fitness trainer. However, he soon discovered his true passion lay in guiding businesses toward success. He established Gym Launch, a fitness business consultancy that helped gym owners worldwide achieve profitability. Gym Launch became a huge success within four years, with revenue surpassing $100 million.
Leveraging his expertise, Hormozi now empowers businesses across various industries to achieve unparalleled success via Acquisition.com. His impressive portfolio comprises some of the world’s leading organizations and businesses. Hormozi is also a regular guest on podcasts and other media outlets, sharing his insights on entrepreneurship and business growth.
3. Dan Fleyshman
Dan Fleyshman, the youngest founder of a publicly traded company, has been actively involved in entrepreneurship since the age of 23. With his successful clothing sales exceeding $15 million to national department store chains, Fleyshman expanded his achievements by creating the “Who’s Your Daddy” energy drink, which is now available in 55,000 retail stores.
As an enthusiastic angel investor, Fleyshman has invested in over 36 companies, consistently seeking out innovative and groundbreaking endeavors. His contributions span across various industries, including his involvement in the launch of one of the top 5 online poker sites globally. Fleyshman’s investment approach encompasses diversity and a keen sense for spotting opportunities, establishing him as a prominent and influential young angel investor, particularly within the tech and mobile sectors.
Aside from his professional pursuits, Fleyshman actively supports the Model Citizen Fund, a charitable organization he passionately advocates for. The fund’s primary mission involves providing homeless shelters with backpacks filled with essential emergency supplies.
4. Guy Sheetrit
Guy Sheetrit is the Founder and CEO of Over The Top SEO (OTT). His marketing acumen in the crypto, SEO, and digital marketing spaces has helped generate over $1 billion for his clients in the last five years, making him a rising authority in these industries.
As an early investor in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, Guy is one of the leading voices in the crypto, Metaverse, blockchain, and NFT spaces. He has launched 37 projects, and 14 of those sold out in 2022 alone.
Guy also dominates the organic SEO space worldwide, tailoring SEO, digital marketing, automation, AI, and cybersecurity solutions for Fortune 500 companies. He represents leading brands such as TedX, SkyScanner.com, FindUSNow.com, CryptoExchange.com, and Hot.com and has been ranked as one of the world’s top 5 SEO authorities by Forbes and Inc.
5. Andre Abdoune
André Abdoune is an accomplished billionaire and a highly respected trader in the cryptocurrency world. He has earned widespread recognition for his ability to empower investors and successfully navigate the ever-changing industry.
André is a visionary businessman with a keen eye for seizing opportunities at the perfect time. His radically innovative project, which has the potential to revolutionize and merge the blockchain, human, and gaming industries, has been valued at over $20 billion.
Besides his exponential entrepreneurial success, André is also a dedicated philanthropist passionate about making a tangible difference in people’s lives. His unwavering conviction that a single individual can positively impact the world, not just for the present but also for future generations, is nothing short of awe-inspiring. André’s philanthropy has earned him the trust and admiration of countless people, and his efforts to improve the lives of others continue to serve as a shining example of his integrity and goodwill.
6. Dwight Thanos
Dwight Thanos Smith is the Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of the Paragon Universe and its subsidiaries, Paragon VTOL Aerospace, which are created to build a sustainable infrastructure ecosystem to transform mobility through technology and innovation.
Thanos Smith’s companies are currently developing a technology to increase the strength of highways to prevent potholes. This is based on his aircraft-in-development that will melt ice on the roads, virtually eliminate potholes, and eventually charge vehicles that drive on its surface wirelessly.
Thanos Smith intends to transform emission and carbon-free buildings using proprietary technology independent of fossil fuel. His eVTOL aircraft-in-development will transport up to 9 passengers with a revolutionary airframe that also functions as a new type of battery.
“Our planet is at a crossroads where transformative change needs to happen now by the can-do’s, not the wanna-do’s. Every century, technology evolves for future generations to thrive and not just survive,” says Thanos Smith.
7. Natalino Carlo
Natalino Carlo is a young and dynamic CEO and the founder of Infernozilla, a multiple award-winning marketing agency in the video games industry. He started his entrepreneurial journey working with popular titles such as Escape from Tarkov and soon discovered a missing gap in the indie game marketing space. To remedy this, he built one of the largest agencies in the industry.
Under Natalino’s leadership, Infernozilla has won 47 awards in the first three months of 2023 alone. Their ability to provide an entire department as part of their service, including a Marketing Manager, Community Manager, Social Media Manager, and graphics team, is the USP that sets them apart.
Natalino’s short-term goal is to expand his team further due to growing demand and flesh out parts of their operations. In the long term, he wants to strengthen the brand and its offerings, cementing its footing as a thought leader in the video game marketing arena.
8. Christopher Delgado
Chris Delgado is a trailblazing entrepreneur whose accolades include two successful business exits, a Canadian Corp IPO, and leading the development of blockchain technology in the USA, Europe, and the UAE.
Chris Delgado currently oversees his two corporations, GOLIATH INTERNATIONAL CORP and GOLIATH VENTURES, which focus directly on early stage developing companies, blockchain innovation, crypto mining, and crypto liquidity pools.
Besides running two successful international corporations, Chris Delgado is also deeply passionate about his charitable foundation, Orlando Giving, which impacts his local community on a large scale. Moreover, he also funds many organizations that support cancer research for children, homeless veterans, and foster children.
“Community, Support, Engagement – these three principles drive our global mission at Goliath. We believe in not only supporting our employees but also in making a positive impact in the communities we do business in,” says Chris.
9. Brian Evans
Brian D. Evans is an influential serial entrepreneur, advisor, and early-stage crypto and web3 investor. With a proven track record as an award-winning CEO, online marketer, web3 and blockchain advisor, and accomplished writer, he has made a significant impact in the business world.
Brian’s online marketing and consulting agency earned a coveted spot on the Inc. 500 list of Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America. His exceptional achievements were also recognized when LA Weekly placed him in the #1 position on the prestigious 40 Under 40 List in 2023.
Brian’s entrepreneurial expertise and insights are widely sought after in the industry, solidifying his status as a published writer in renowned publications, including Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Rolling Stone.
Notably, Brian has recently been cast as a judge on the exciting TV series “The Next Crypto Gem.” This American Idol meets Shark Tank-style show focuses on the crypto industry and is produced in collaboration with bspoketv, Hourglass, and NEFT Vodka.
10. Sherri Holzer
Sherri Holzer, the personality behind Simply Sherri, is a food strategist, cooking instructor, and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. Her mission is to show the world how to use food for self-care in all facets of life. She believes when people understand what is in their food and how to eat what they love more healthfully, it can truly transform their lives.
At the core of Simply Sherri is the brand’s motto, “Simply, your best, one meal at a time,” which encapsulates the essence of healthy eating and the nurturing power of food.
Holzer’s background as a cooking strategist allows her to teach people how to use food for self-care. The solo entrepreneur is building a wellness empire through her work and offerings like her 1:1 Nutrition Masterclass, she teaches that the simplest changes can impact people’s lives the most. Mediterranean with a Splash of Nash, her in-person hands-on classes where she teaches a Mediterranean-style approach to cooking and eating, using fresh, seasonal ingredients whenever possible. And her newest venture, Holzer is excited to expand her pickleball community, My Kitchen Dink, by releasing her self-published cookbook, Everything But the Kitchen Dink, which will feature a wealth of simple and healthy recipes that will bring players and enthusiasts together.
11. Ellie Shefi
Ellie Shefi is a multi-talented entrepreneur, attorney, and 7x #1 international best-selling & award-winning author. As the chief strategist and founder of MTC Consulting, Ellie leverages her extensive experience in law, business, education, and advocacy to help organizations optimize operations, build world-class cultures, and develop influential leaders.
Ellie is also a sought-after keynote speaker who has spoken on stages across varied industries, offering insights on business, entrepreneurship, mindset, DEIA, employee wellness, and more. She founded Made to Change the World™ Publishing, where she guides aspiring authors through a strategic book writing and publishing process to become best-selling authors, speakers, and media presences.
Ellie also hosts the Free by Design™ television show, the You Are Not Your Scars® podcast, and the Creating an Impervious Mind® expert YouTube series. Moreover, she serves on the leadership councils and advisory boards of nonprofits focused on civil rights, human rights, criminal justice reform, disaster recovery, fighting human trafficking, and ending mass atrocities.
12. Henry Jan
Henry Jan, Founder of the Vezbi Super App, is a visionary entrepreneur and the architect of over 100 successful mergers and acquisitions across various industries, from healthcare and logistics to entertainment and cannabis. Jan launched his first business while still in college, a digital sounds library used by content creators even today.
Jan embarked on a six-year journey to develop the Vezbi Super App, inspired by his Southeast Asian heritage and his desire to bring a more cohesive and community-oriented approach to the digital experience. He built Vezbi on the foundation of “altruistic egoism,” the idea that individual drive can be harnessed to benefit society as a whole.
Jan’s commitment to social responsibility extends beyond the business world, as he has established Project Seva to fund eligible NPOs. As a leader who believes in the power of community and collaboration, Henry Jan is indeed a Founder to watch out for in the coming years.
13. Shashicka Tyre-Hill
Shashicka Tyre-Hill is a motivational speaker, award-winning author, and serial entrepreneur in the beauty, wellness, and feminine care industries. She is the founder and CEO of Mink Hair Grows.
Shashicka had to beat countless odds to reach her current position of success, from being a young mother and high school dropout at just fifteen. Armed with a mere $750 in 2002, she embarked on her entrepreneurial journey, founding multiple successful businesses. Today, she is celebrated as one of the country’s most sought-after motivational speakers and business success coaches.
Shashicka’s true passion lies in empowering others to discover their purpose and pursue their dreams. She authored the award-winning memoir, ‘Blessings & Miracles,’ where she fearlessly shares her life story to inspire others.
Never one to set limits on her dreams, Shashicka exemplifies the power of turning adversity into inspiration while keeping her faith in God. Her unwavering commitment to empowering others makes her a true visionary in the entrepreneurial world.
14. Carey Bringle
Carey Bringle is a renowned entrepreneur who has built a successful empire, including four restaurants, a spirits company, and a retail clothing & food products company, as well as real estate holdings. Thanks to Bringle’s exceptional business skills and vision, his flagship BBQ restaurant, Peg Leg Porker, has won numerous awards and has been featured in various media outlets.
Bringle’s story is one of true perseverance – he faced a daunting challenge at an early age when he overcame an above-the-knee amputation and survived osteosarcoma. However, his challenges only made him stronger.
A true leader in the business world, Bringle’s influence extends beyond his ventures. He is actively involved in the political arena and has earned a reputation as one of the most influential businessmen in Nashville.
Carey Bringle is not just a pitmaster or restauranteur but also a revered mentor who inspires others. Today, his name has become synonymous with entrepreneurship and success.
15. Chelsey Diaz
Chelsey Diaz is the co-founder of The Rainmaker Family, a company that helps moms achieve time freedom and generational abundance and leave a thriving family legacy. Together with her husband, Stephen Diaz, Chelsey developed The Rainmaker Method, a four-step process that guides families to launch successful e-commerce businesses and escape the hamster wheel of trading dollars for hours.
Chelsey is passionate about helping mothers avoid hustle traps and work from a place of rest while building their brands. She launched the Family Freedom Challenge and The Rainmaker Mastermind program to help families start taking action on The Rainmaker Method and has trained over 30,000 families on achieving financial freedom.
Chelsey and Stephen have won numerous awards for their innovative approach to online marketing and have been featured in several prestigious publications. Chelsey’s ultimate goal is to create the #1 personal development community for moms to find purpose and profit while working freely from home with a business they call their own.
16. Alicia Lyttle
Alicia Lyttle is a seasoned entrepreneur, AI (Artificial Intelligence) enthusiast, and digital marketing expert with over 23 years of experience. Her professional journey spans prestigious organizations like The White House, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), and The City of New Orleans Mayor’s Office, from where she pivoted to the digital world.
As a respected speaker and trainer, Alicia has traveled the world to share her expertise internationally. She is the Founder of Pow Social Media, a Digital Marketing Agency, and co-runs Monetized Marketing with her sister Lorette. Alicia’s ventures also extend to successful real estate investments as a co-owner of Protected Equity LLC.
Alicia is driven to help other entrepreneurs succeed by leveraging digital marketing and AI for business growth. Her achievements have garnered numerous awards and accolades.
In the future, Alicia plans to continue speaking at events on harnessing the power of AI, as well as building her online community, “The AI Experts Club”, and training corporate teams on the benefits and challenges of AI in business.
17. James Gamet
James Gamet is a dynamic and accomplished entrepreneur, high-performance business coach, and captivating speaker. With a distinguished background as a combat veteran in the US Marines, he embodies the values of service and leadership. As the CEO and Founder of Inches Make Miles, a cutting-edge Public Relations agency, James leads a team that excels at propelling businesses to new heights.
Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, James is a respected black belt instructor at 10th Planet Portland and the owner of Bang Muay Thai Portland, he inspires others to achieve their full potential. He also plays significant roles as the Director of Public Relations and a Senior Consultant at Eng2, bringing strategic insights and innovative solutions to the forefront.
With a passion for social impact, James co-founded London James Media, empowering individuals to become influential voices and scale Faceless YouTube channels. Additionally, he is actively involved in creating a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting financial literacy and mental health.
James Gamet’s multifaceted expertise is revolutionizing industries and making a profound difference in the lives of others.
18. Jeevan Singh
He started his education company in his early twenties on a next-to-nothing budget. Using shrewd marketing techniques, he was able to grow it into one of the leading education companies in the UK.
To date, he’s helped over 150,000 children achieve better school grades through his unorthodox teaching approach. No other resource or educator can match his record when it comes to student progress and exam results.
Jeevan specializes in omnipresence-based advertising whereby he strategically places marketing messages across the web, on platforms such as Facebook, Google, YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, Pinterest, Snapchat, etc. to maximize exposure and drive sales.
In his spare time, Jeevan consults with other business owners around the world on how they can replicate his unique marketing strategy to grow their business and increase revenue.
19. Byron Morrison
Byron Morrison is a mindset and performance coach, best-selling author, and speaker. With over a decade of experience, he has empowered CEOs, business leaders, Silicon Valley visionaries, and entrepreneurs in 15 countries to unlock their true potential and achieve breakthrough success.
Morrison’s transformative journey, which began when his father was diagnosed with cancer, led him to overcome the barriers causing him to be the stumbling block in the way of his own success. Today, he is on a mission to help those who dare to think big conquer their internal barriers and build their empires.
Joining a shelf of books credited as game changers is Morrison’s newest title, “Maybe You Should Give Up – 7 Ways to Get Out of Your Own Way and Take Control of Your Life”.
Through his books, coaching, and international impact, Byron Morrison empowers individuals to get out of their own way to success and take control of their lives.
20. Tony Robbins
Tony Robbins is a world-renowned motivational speaker, life coach, and business strategist who has helped millions of people transform their lives. He started his career as a self-help coach in the early 1980s and quickly became known for his dynamic, high-energy style and ability to inspire and motivate people to take action.
Tony is the founder of the Robbins-Madanes Center for Strategic Intervention, which offers coaching and training to individuals and organizations around the world. He has worked with some of the world’s most successful business leaders and entrepreneurs. He is also the author of several best-selling books, including “Awaken the Giant Within” and “Unlimited Power,” and has appeared on numerous TV shows and films.
In addition to his coaching and training work, Tony is also a successful investor and entrepreneur. He has launched several successful businesses, including a nutritional supplement company and a media production company.