The entrepreneurial adventure tempts more and more men and women. Everyone dreams of becoming their own boss, of working for a better world or, more simply, of creating their own job. But a question often arises: is age a success factor?
Many studies have attempted to establish a correlation between age and the success of an entrepreneur. To conclude that it is just one factor among others. Because while everyone remembers the dazzling success of young entrepreneurs like Mark Zuckerberg or Bill Gates who started their business in their early twenties, the average age of the entrepreneur is actually over 35.
Ce qui différe probably le plus entre les différentes trances d’âge, c’est la motivation qui pousse à franchir le pas: une idée ou une passion pour les plus jeunes, le besoin ou la nécessité du changement au-delà d’a certain age.
Before 30: passion and creativity are not always a guarantee of success
Those under 30 years of age represent 20% of business creators in France. Their motivation, imagination and enthusiasm are strong, but they often lack certain key skills or the financial means to get their project off the ground.
Therefore, some immature projects have less chance of success. And if certain key skills are also missing, it becomes very difficult to overcome obstacles, manage stress, face competition, or even juggle regulations, finances, or administration.
Fortunately, many young creators, aware of their lack of experience, have the intelligence to surround themselves with mentors and experts.
35-44: the best age to start a business
Thirties and forties have all the potential to create and develop their business. They have gained some work experience and are now mature enough to be taken seriously by potential bankers, investors or partners. Also, their main asset is usually the professional network they have developed, or even the savings made to be able to invest in their business.
The main obstacle for this age group is generally external to their project: it is their personal situation (young children or dependent family) or certain lifestyle habits (need for vacations, comfort, possible lack of mobility, etc.).
50 and over: fresh start
From the age of 50, entrepreneur candidates have acquired professional experience that gives them credibility and legitimacy, both with banks and with future partners or clients. Is this a guarantee of success?
Often forced to reinvent themselves after being laid off, entrepreneurs starting out in their 50s dream of finding a new footing in a project that makes sense to them. Their professional skills, combined with their experience, push them to embark on more realistic projects. However, the considerable energy and investment that the entrepreneurial venture requires can put off some, even the most motivated.
In conclusion
There is no age to start. There is only one slogan: if you feel like it and if your motivation is clear and real, go ahead!
Learn and get help. There are many structures to help all generations of entrepreneurs. In many cases, start-up costs are limited. And technologies and digital technology have profoundly transformed the economy, to the point of expanding the field of possibilities.
