Who Is Lucy Guo, the Youngest Self-Made Female Billionaire in the World?
Born in Fremont, California to Chinese immigrant parents, Guo showed an early aptitude for technology. As a child, she taught herself to code, eventually earning money by developing bots for online games. She enrolled at Carnegie Mellon University to study computer science but left after being selected for the prestigious Thiel Fellowship, which encourages young talents to forgo formal education in favor of entrepreneurial pursuits.
Guo's breakthrough came in 2016 when she co-founded Scale AI, a data-labeling company that became foundational to the growth of artificial intelligence technologies. Although she left the company in 2018 following internal disagreements, Guo retained nearly 5% equity. With Scale AI's recent valuation reaching $25 billion, that stake alone accounts for a significant portion of her wealth.
After her departure from Scale AI, Guo co-founded Backend Capital, a venture capital firm that has backed several successful startups. She then launched Passes in 2022, a creator-focused platform that helps influencers monetize fan interactions using AI-driven features. The company has since attracted high-profile names and raised $50 million across multiple funding rounds, achieving a valuation of $150 million.
Despite her accomplishments, Guo has faced controversy. Passes is currently the subject of a class-action lawsuit involving allegations of inappropriate content monetization. The company has firmly denied all accusations, calling the claims baseless.
Guo is known for her vibrant lifestyle and tireless work ethic, often working from early morning until midnight. She credits her productivity to efficiency, team collaboration, and regular exercise. Despite her financial success, Guo insists she doesn't feel she has 'made it,' and continues to seek new ways to innovate and lead.
From college dropout to billionaire tech founder, Lucy Guo's story is emblematic of a new generation of entrepreneurs reshaping the global economy — not only through technology but also through bold, often unconventional paths to success.
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