This week Forbes Australia revealed its inaugural 30 Under 30 list, shining the spotlight on 30 young Australians who are reshaping their industries and changing business and society.
The list includes some of the country’s best-known stars, leaders and entrepreneurs, as well as lesser-known success stories who are making a difference in their fields.
“Against a backdrop of rising start-up funding, growing capabilities in AI and increasing interest in space tech, Australia’s young entrepreneurs are making strides in the region,” list editor Anastasia Santoreneos said in a media release.
“Sustainable growth and international expansion are high on the agenda for our tech entrepreneurs, and a global mindset is key.
“Our finalists have banked more than $100 million in funding, received 14 gold medals, have a social media reach of more than 120 million, four Grammy nominations, one Golden Globes win, nine Billboard Music nominations and five wins. More than 700 jobs had been created by the businesses of our listees. And their average age is just 24. This is just the beginning.”
Two Greek Australians have been featured on the list, sexual consent activist Chanel Contos and cosmetics business co-owner Emma Spiliopoulos.
Contos first became known globally in 2021 when she took to Instagram to ask a question about young Australian women and their experience with sexual assault.
In the last three years she has made waves as the founder and CEO of Teach Us Consent and chair of the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership’s Youth Advisory Committee.
She was the recipient of the Young People’s Human Rights Medal in the 2021 Australian Human Rights Award and the NSW Young Woman of the Year 2023 award.
She plans to continue improving teaching training and education in Australia, while also expanding her campaign to the UK, USA, and Greece as she continues her mission to “eliminate normalised sexual violence”.
Read more: “We must eliminate normalised sexual violence” – Chanel Contos
Spiliopoulos features on the list alongside her business partners Jessica Arthur and Lauren Rugolo.
Co-owner of Lash Therapy Australia, which is known for its flagship eyelash growth serum.
Initially the trio invested $4,000, and today the company claims its total revenue is at $20 million, with $7.3 million year-to-date.
The company ships to more than 170 countries.
