Markets

Insider Trading

Hedge Funds

Retirement

Opinion

30 Most Important Entrepreneurs of All Time

In this article, we will talk about the 30 most important entrepreneurs of all time.  We have also covered trends and outlook for entrepreneurship. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, head straight to 10 Most Important Entrepreneurs of All Time.

Entrepreneurship Trends in 2023

AI has become a disruptive force in the world of entrepreneurship, one of the most profitable professions in the world, which is yielding remarkable outcomes as there is statistical evidence of its impact. The rapid adoption of AI-powered tools like ChatGPT, which garnered over 1 billion visits within three months of release, speaks volumes about its versatility in tasks such as copywriting and cash flow forecasting. Startups are embracing AI to stay ahead of market demand, with over 40% of failures attributed to misreading the market.

The cost-saving potential of AI is also evident, as it enables startups to automate tasks which reduces the heavy burden of payroll expenses. As AI continues to grow, it empowers entrepreneurs with better marketing budget allocation, improved decision-making, and enhanced data-driven strategies, creating a dynamic workforce that anticipates future AI trends. By prioritizing AI proficiency and harnessing its capabilities, entrepreneurs can position themselves for success in the AI-driven future of business.

On the other hand, startups and small businesses are gaining momentum, fueled by a global passion for problem-solving and a burgeoning spirit of entrepreneurship. Governments around the world are recognizing the crucial role entrepreneurs play in driving economic growth and are increasingly fostering environments conducive to innovation, with policies aimed at supporting startups and facilitating access to capital.

For example, over its 70-year history, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has played a vital role in supporting small American businesses, which constitute 99.9% of all businesses and employ 46.4% of private sector employees. Under President Biden, there has been record job growth and a historic small business boom as entrepreneurs have applied to start 12.2 million new small businesses.

Moreover, the SBA has expanded its programs to meet the changing needs of small businesses while addressing issues of capital access gaps for rural, veteran, women, and minority-owned businesses. During the pandemic, the SBA became even more critical, to prevent the devastating impact seen during the 2008 financial crisis on minority and women-owned businesses. As a result of government, corporate, and philanthropic support, Black/African American- and Hispanic/Latino-owned businesses have shown remarkable growth, with average revenues increasing by 32.7% and 17.1%, respectively, compared to 2019.

Entrepreneurs with a Legacy

In the vast tapestry of human history, few figures have left an indelible mark on the world like entrepreneurs have. Those pioneers of innovation and risk-takers have reshaped industries, revolutionized economies, and catapulted society into new eras of progress.

However, to truly understand the essence of entrepreneurship, we must journey back to its historical roots. Ancient merchants and traders paved the way for the entrepreneurs of today, and challenged national borders to exchange goodsand thus set the foundation for global commerce.

One such iconic figure was Andrew Carnegie, a 19th-century industrialist who revolutionized the steel industry and truly set the stage for the America’s industrial might. If his net worth from then is adjusted according to the inflation today, it would be around $372 billion which would make him the richest entrepreneur of all time, even richer than Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates, who are two of the most famous entrepreneurs in the world.

Another legend, Thomas Edison, was a game changing prolific inventor and entrepreneur whose inventions, like the phonograph and the electric light bulb, transformed modern living. Edison’s pursuit of innovation and his belief in the power of research and development laid the groundwork for future generations of inventors. He is considered one of the greatest entrepreneurs of all time.

Speaking of legendary entrepreneurship, one of the most prime examples of influential entrepreneurship that has shaped the world on a global scale is Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL). Founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne in 1976, Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) revolutionized personal computing and later transformed industries formusic, smartphones, and tablets. Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s innovative products, like the Macintosh, iPod, iPhone, and iPad, redefined user experiences and set new standards for design and functionality.

While it is true that legendary entrepreneurs are rare, when it comes to wealth-building, the newer generations have challenged the notion of toiling away for years to become wealthy. To read more about it, you should check out our article on how to become a millionaire by the age 30.

Matej Kastelic/Shutterstock.com

Our Methodology

To select the most important entrepreneurs of all time, we looked at almost 50 greatest entrepreneurs who impacted their respective industries on a massive scale. The idea was that an entrepreneur can only be considered important if they shaped or disrupted an industry, without whom the industry or market would not have been in its present form today. We scored their impact on their industries and ranked them accordingly.

Please note that the list is highly subjective and does not comment on any individual’s personal integrity.

30. Rosalia Mera Goyenechea

Impact Score: 70

Rosalía Mera was a prominent Spanish businesswoman and entrepreneur. She was Spain’s wealthiest woman at the time of her death and was recognized as the world’s most affluent self-made female entrepreneur. Rosalía Mera played a pivotal role in establishing the Zara retail chain in 1975 with her then husband Amancio Ortega Gaona. To read more about self-made women, do check out our article on Self-Made Female Billionaires Under 50.

29. John H. Johnson

Impact Score: 71

John H. Johnson was a pioneering American businessman and publisher who founded Johnson Publishing Company in 1942 and produced influential magazines like Ebony and Jet. He broke barriers as the first African American on Forbes 400, received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and played a pivotal role in promoting African-American representation and entrepreneurship in media.

28. Linda Kristin Bennett

 Impact Score: 72

Linda Kristin Bennett, born in 1962, is a renowned English clothing designer and entrepreneur, celebrated for founding L.K.Bennett. Her innovative approach to blending comfort and style led to the brand’s success. Notably, she crafted the Duchess of Cornwall’s wedding shoes, won esteemed awards, and earned recognition as a leader in the fashion industry.

27. Reid Hoffman

Impact Score: 73

Reid Hoffman is an American internet entrepreneur and venture capitalist. As co-founder and executive chairman of LinkedIn, he revolutionized professional networking. LinkedIn was launched in 2003 and pioneered business-oriented online social networks, transforming how people connect and interact when building their careers. He also played a key role at PayPal Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:PYPL), by shouldering Paypal Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:PYPL)’s inception as a board member and later joining as a full-time as COO.

26. Meg Whitman

Impact Score: 74

Meg Whitman is an accomplished American business executive and entrepreneur who significantly impacted eBay Inc (NASDAQ:EBAY) and Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co (NYSE:HPE). As eBay Inc (NASDAQ:EBAY)’s CEO from 1998 to 2008, she oversaw its transformation from a small startup to a global powerhouse, leading to revenues of $8 billion and its acquisition of PayPal Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:PYPL). At Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co (NYSE:HPE), she guided the company through a major split in 2015. Her influential tenure at eBay Inc (NASDAQ:EBAY) and pertinent contribution to Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co (NYSE:HPE) underscore her legacy as a transformative leader in both the companies.

25. Arianna Huffington

Impact Score: 75

Arianna Huffington redefined digital news and emphasized work-life balance through co-founding HuffPost media, her writing, and activism. She is one of the most important entrepreneurs of all time.

24. Cher Wang

Impact Score: 76

Cher Wang is a a notable entrepreneur who co-founded HTC which is a pioneering tech company. HTC truly shaped the smartphone industry and revolutionized mobile technology in an unprecedented manner.

23. Howard D. Schultz

Impact Score: 77

Howard D. Schultz transfigured the coffee industry after he took charge of Starbucks Corp (NASDAQ:SBUX), and expanded the coffeehouse concept globally while shaping coffee culture, and making Starbucks Corp (NASDAQ:SBUX) the world’s largest coffee chain. Starbucks Corp (NASDAQ:SBUX) is also one of the top choices for highest-paying summer jobs for teens.

22. Jack Ma

Impact Score: 78

Jack Ma is a visionary entrepreneur who co-founded Alibaba Group Holding Ltd (NYSE:BABA) that propelled e-commerce in China and globally. His leadership shaped digital commerce, fintech, and tech innovation, whose impact reached global businesses and trade.

21. Reed Hastings

Impact Score: 79

Reed Hastings co-founded Netflix Inc (NASDAQ:NFLX) and revolutionized entertainment by pioneering online streaming reshaped the landscape on how people consumed TV shows and movies. He essentially disrupted the traditional media models, making him one of the most important entrepreneurs of all time.

20. Ray Kroc

Impact Score: 80

Ray Kroc was the builder of McDonalds Corp (NYSE:MCD) franchise. He turned a single restaurant into a global fast-food phenomenon and defined the fast-food chain industry.

19. Estee Lauder

Impact Score: 81

Estée Lauder’s pioneering spirit drove her to co-found Estee Lauder Companies Inc (NYSE:EL). Launching with just four products and a vision of universal beauty, she inspired innovation and left an enduring mark on the industry.

18. JP Morgan

Impact Score: 82

J.P. Morgan was a banker and financier who transformed modern finance through visionary leadership. He founded J.P. Morgan Chase & Co (NYSE:JPM), and revamped banking, investment, and corporate finance while leaving behind a financial legacy.

17. Micheal Bloomberg

Impact Score: 83

Michael Bloomberg is a business tycoon and politician who co-founded Bloomberg L.P., and restructured financial data services. He also served as New York City’s mayor and thus, influenced finance and governance in the US.

16. Oprah Winfrey

Impact Score: 83

Oprah Winfrey is an American media mogul who overcame adversity to host a successful talk show, launch media ventures, inspire millions, and advocate for social issues. Her impact is immense and influential, making her one of the most important entrepreneurs of all time.

15. Huda Kattan

Impact Score: 85

Huda Kattan’s savvy entrepreneurship has led to a 140+ product range of Huda Beauty, $200M yearly revenue, and organic success with 50M Instagram followers, that proves not only her innovation but a fair market impact.

14. Jack Dorsey

Impact Score: 86

Jack Dorsey is a tech innovator that cofounded Twitter. Twitter’s concise posts have been shaping global news, culture, and debates, that revolutionizes social media and amplifies voices worldwide.

13. Coco Chanel

Impact Score: 87

Coco Chanel revamped fashion by introducing comfortable and elegant designs and popularized a new feminine style that diversified into jewelry, handbags, and fragrance products which last long.

12. Ingvar Kamprad

Impact Score: 88

Ingvar Kamprad shook up furniture retail with IKEA as he introduced affordable, minimalist, and self-assembled designs. His different approach to flat-pack furniture reshaped the industry and global home furnishing trends.

11. Walter Elias Disney

Impact Score:  89

Walter Disney was an animation pioneer who founded the Walt Disney Co (NYSE:DIS) and produced iconic films. He also earned numerous awards while revolutionizing animation, and creating timeless classics cherished by generations.

Click here to see the 10 Most Important Entrepreneurs of All Time.

Suggested Articles:

Disclosure: None. 30 Most Important Entrepreneurs of All Time is originally published on Insider Monkey.

The $250 Trillion AI Hype is Real. A few years from now, you’ll probably wish you’d bought this stock.

When Jeff Bezos said that one breakthrough technology would shape Amazon’s destiny, even Wall Street’s biggest analysts were caught off guard.

Fast forward a year and Amazon’s new CEO Andy Jassy described generative AI as a “once-in-a-lifetime” technology that is already being used across Amazon to reinvent customer experiences.

At the 8th Future Investment Initiative conference, Elon Musk predicted that by 2040 there would be at least 10 billion humanoid robots, with each priced between $20,000 and $25,000.

Do the math. According to Musk, this technology could be worth $250 trillion by 2040.

Put another way, that’s roughly equal to:

  • 175 Teslas
  • 107 Amazons
  • 140 Metas
  • 84 Googles
  • 65 Microsofts
  • And 55 Nvidias

And here’s the wild part — this $250 trillion wave isn’t tied to one company, but to an entire ecosystem of AI innovators set to reshape the global economy.

It’s a leap so massive, it could reshape how businesses, governments, and consumers operate worldwide.

Even if that $250 trillion figure sounds ambitious, major firms like PwC and McKinsey still see AI unlocking multi-trillion-dollar potential.

How could anything be worth that much?

The answer lies in a breakthrough so powerful it’s redefining how humanity works, learns, and creates.

And this breakthrough has already set off a frenzy among hedge funds and Wall Street’s top investors.

What most investors don’t realize is that one under-owned company holds the key to this $250 trillion revolution.

In fact, Verge argues this company’s supercheap AI technology should concern rivals.

Before I reveal the details, let’s talk about how some of the richest people on the planet are positioning themselves.

  • Bill Gates sees artificial intelligence as the “biggest technological advance in my lifetime,” more transformative than the internet or personal computer, capable of improving healthcare, education, and addressing climate change.
  • Larry Ellison — through Oracle, is spending billions on Nvidia chips and partnering with Cohere to embed generative AI across Oracle’s cloud and apps.
  • Warren Buffett — not known for tech hype — says this breakthrough could have a ‘hugely beneficial social impact.

When billionaires from Silicon Valley to Wall Street line up behind the same idea — you know it’s worth paying attention to.

Even as we admire what Tesla, Nvidia, Alphabet, and Microsoft have built, we believe an even greater opportunity lies elsewhere…

But the real story isn’t Nvidia — it’s a much smaller company quietly improving the critical technology that makes this entire revolution possible.

And judging by what I’m hearing from both Silicon Valley insiders and Wall Street veterans…

This prediction might not be bold at all:

A few years from now, you’ll wish you’d owned this stock.

The best part? You can discover everything about this company and its groundbreaking technology right now.

I’ve compiled everything you need to know about this groundbreaking company in a detailed, members-only report.

Trust me — you’ll want to read this report before putting another dollar into any tech stock.

For a ridiculously low price of just $9.99 a month, you can unlock a year’s worth of in-depth investment research and exclusive insights – that’s less than a single fast food meal!

Here’s why this is a deal you can’t afford to pass up:

• Access to our Detailed Report on this Game-Changing AI Stock: Our in-depth report dives deep into our #1 AI stock’s groundbreaking technology and massive growth potential.

• 11 New Issues of Our Premium Readership Newsletter: You will also receive 11 new issues and at least one new stock pick per month from our monthly newsletter’s portfolio over the next 12 months. These stocks are handpicked by our research director, Dr. Inan Dogan.

• One free upcoming issue of our 70+ page Quarterly Newsletter: A value of $149

• Bonus Reports: Premium access to members-only fund manager video interviews

• Ad-Free Browsing: Enjoy a year of investment research free from distracting banner and pop-up ads, allowing you to focus on uncovering the next big opportunity.

• 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee:  If you’re not absolutely satisfied with our service, we’ll provide a full refund within 30 days, no questions asked.

If you’re thinking about getting in, don’t wait – because once Wall Street catches wind of this story, the easy money will be gone.

Space is Limited! Only 1000 spots are available for this exclusive offer. Don’t let this chance slip away – subscribe to our Premium Readership Newsletter today and unlock the potential for a life-changing investment.

Here’s what to do next:

1. Head over to our website and subscribe to our Premium Readership Newsletter for just $9.99 a month.

2. Enjoy a year of ad-free browsing, exclusive access to our in-depth report on the revolutionary AI company, and the upcoming issues of our Premium Readership Newsletter over the next 12 months.

3. Sit back, relax, and know that you’re backed by our ironclad 30-day money-back guarantee.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! Subscribe now and take control of your AI investment future!

No worries about auto-renewals! Our 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee applies whether you’re joining us for the first time or renewing your subscription a month later!

AI, Tariffs, Nuclear Power: One Undervalued Stock Connects ALL the Dots (Before It Explodes!)

Artificial intelligence is the greatest investment opportunity of our lifetime. The time to invest in groundbreaking AI is now, and this stock is a steal!

AI is eating the world—and the machines behind it are ravenous.

Each ChatGPT query, each model update, each robotic breakthrough consumes massive amounts of energy. In fact, AI is already pushing global power grids to the brink.

Wall Street is pouring hundreds of billions into artificial intelligence—training smarter chatbots, automating industries, and building the digital future. But there’s one urgent question few are asking:

Where will all of that energy come from?

AI is the most electricity-hungry technology ever invented. Each data center powering large language models like ChatGPT consumes as much energy as a small city. And it’s about to get worse.

Even Sam Altman, the founder of OpenAI, issued a stark warning:

“The future of AI depends on an energy breakthrough.”

Elon Musk was even more blunt:

“AI will run out of electricity by next year.”

As the world chases faster, smarter machines, a hidden crisis is emerging behind the scenes. Power grids are strained. Electricity prices are rising. Utilities are scrambling to expand capacity.

And that’s where the real opportunity lies…

One little-known company—almost entirely overlooked by most AI investors—could be the ultimate backdoor play. It’s not a chipmaker. It’s not a cloud platform. But it might be the most important AI stock in the US owns critical energy infrastructure assets positioned to feed the coming AI energy spike.

As demand from AI data centers explodes, this company is gearing up to profit from the most valuable commodity in the digital age: electricity.

The “Toll Booth” Operator of the AI Energy Boom

  • It owns critical nuclear energy infrastructure assets, positioning it at the heart of America’s next-generation power strategy.
  • It’s one of the only global companies capable of executing large-scale, complex EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) projects across oil, gas, renewable fuels, and industrial infrastructure.
  • It plays a pivotal role in U.S. LNG exportation—a sector about to explode under President Trump’s renewed “America First” energy doctrine.

Trump has made it clear: Europe and U.S. allies must buy American LNG.

And our company sits in the toll booth—collecting fees on every drop exported.

But that’s not all…

As Trump’s proposed tariffs push American manufacturers to bring their operations back home, this company will be first in line to rebuild, retrofit, and reengineer those facilities.

AI. Energy. Tariffs. Onshoring. This One Company Ties It All Together.

While the world is distracted by flashy AI tickers, a few smart investors are quietly scooping up shares of the one company powering it all from behind the scenes.

AI needs energy. Energy needs infrastructure.

And infrastructure needs a builder with experience, scale, and execution.

This company has its finger in every pie—and Wall Street is just starting to notice.

Wall Street is noticing this company also because it is quietly riding all of these tailwinds—without the sky-high valuation.

While most energy and utility firms are buried under mountains of debt and coughing up hefty interest payments just to appease bondholders…

This company is completely debt-free.

In fact, it’s sitting on a war chest of cash—equal to nearly one-third of its entire market cap.

It also owns a huge equity stake in another red-hot AI play, giving investors indirect exposure to multiple AI growth engines without paying a premium.

And here’s what the smart money has started whispering…

The Hedge Fund Secret That’s Starting to Leak Out

This stock is so off-the-radar, so absurdly undervalued, that some of the most secretive hedge fund managers in the world have begun pitching it at closed-door investment summits.

They’re sharing it quietly, away from the cameras, to rooms full of ultra-wealthy clients.

Why? Because excluding cash and investments, this company is trading at less than 7 times earnings.

And that’s for a business tied to:

  • The AI infrastructure supercycle
  • The onshoring boom driven by Trump-era tariffs
  • A surge in U.S. LNG exports
  • And a unique footprint in nuclear energy—the future of clean, reliable power

You simply won’t find another AI and energy stock this cheap… with this much upside.

This isn’t a hype stock. It’s not riding on hope.

It’s delivering real cash flows, owns critical infrastructure, and holds stakes in other major growth stories.

This is your chance to get in before the rockets take off!

Disruption is the New Name of the Game: Let’s face it, complacency breeds stagnation.

AI is the ultimate disruptor, and it’s shaking the foundations of traditional industries.

The companies that embrace AI will thrive, while the dinosaurs clinging to outdated methods will be left in the dust.

As an investor, you want to be on the side of the winners, and AI is the winning ticket.

The Talent Pool is Overflowing: The world’s brightest minds are flocking to AI.

From computer scientists to mathematicians, the next generation of innovators is pouring its energy into this field.

This influx of talent guarantees a constant stream of groundbreaking ideas and rapid advancements.

By investing in AI, you’re essentially backing the future.

The future is powered by artificial intelligence, and the time to invest is NOW.

Don’t be a spectator in this technological revolution.

Dive into the AI gold rush and watch your portfolio soar alongside the brightest minds of our generation.

This isn’t just about making money – it’s about being part of the future.

So, buckle up and get ready for the ride of your investment life!

Act Now and Unlock a Potential 100+% Return within 12 to 24 months.

We’re now offering month-to-month subscriptions with no commitments.

For a ridiculously low price of just $9.99 per month, you can unlock our in-depth investment research and exclusive insights – that’s less than a single fast food meal!

Space is Limited! Only 1000 spots are available for this exclusive offer. Don’t let this chance slip away – subscribe to our Premium Readership Newsletter today and unlock the potential for a life-changing investment.

Here’s what to do next:

1. Head over to our website and subscribe to our Premium Readership Newsletter for just $9.99.

2. Enjoy a month of ad-free browsing, exclusive access to our in-depth report on the Trump tariff and nuclear energy company as well as the revolutionary AI-robotics company, and the upcoming issues of our Premium Readership Newsletter.

3. Sit back, relax, and know that you’re backed by our ironclad 30-day money-back guarantee.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! Subscribe now and take control of your AI investment future!


No worries about auto-renewals! Our 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee applies whether you’re joining us for the first time or renewing your subscription a month later!