20 Under 20 Class of 2021
20 most promising young founders in Europe.
This year's finalists, coming from 12 countries across Europe, were chosen by a stellar panel of judges, including Wise co-founder Taavet Hinrikus, Virgin Group's Sir Richard Branson and Roxanne Varza from Station F in Paris.
The winners receive a whooping £25,000 prize money to take their businesses to the next level:
- Ida Johansson from Sweden, founder of Turn Consulting
- Oliver Edholm from Sweden, founder of Depict
Most promising entrepreneurs in the following categories receive a total of £5,000 self-development budget:
- EdTech: Vagif Aliyev from Ireland, founder of Snapstudy
- GreenTech: Leo Djunbushian from France / the UK, co-founder of Sandsettlers
Scroll down to meet all of this year's finalists!
“The determination and creativity of young entrepreneurs is astounding and this year’s winners of our 20 Under 20 competition prove that yet again. Our two winners show how Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning can be used to solve very unique problems: Ida from Turn Consulting is helping more young people start their career earlier. And Oliver helps online shops improve product recommendations through the engine he built with Depict."
“Growing a business globally is no small feat and it can be tough for young CEOs to find the right people to lean on. To help the bright young talent on their journey of scaling up, we are offering them practical mentoring sessions, as well as creating an international network of like-minded innovators - a strong supporting network is one of the most valuable assets of the entrepreneurial life. I’m really excited about what lies ahead for all of our 20 finalists.”
Wise co-founder and 20 Under 20 Chairman Taavet Hinrikus
Meet the 20 Under 20
Ida Johansson, Sweden
Winner of the Wise 20 Under 20
Founder of Turn Consulting, an AI-powered recruitment platform that connects students with employers for part-time and temporary jobs.
Dr Patricia Scanlon, founder and Executive Chair of SoapBox Labs said: Great idea, solving a problem for a large demographic that has been overlooked.
Rikke Rosenlund, founder and CEO of BorrowMyDoggy said: Great concept. Impressive what they have built so far. Can’t wait for it to expand to other markets as the time is right for this concept.
Oliver Edholm, Sweden
Winner of the Wise 20 Under 20
Founder of Depict, providing AI-driven product recommendations for e-commerce stores.
Verena Pausder, founder, author and Young Global Leader of the WEF said: The traction, idea and big vision of this startup is very impressive! Being part of the Y Combinator ecosystem is a further great signalling for future success.
Rikke Rosenlund, founder and CEO of BorrowMyDoggy said: Impressive what he has built so far. He has already shown there is a market for his product and it is scalable.
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Vagif Aliyev, Ireland
EdTech Special Award of the Wise 20 Under 20
Founder of Snapstudy, an app that uses AI to allow users to take and upload images of their lecture slides or notes, and generates gap-filled and wh-style questions.
Ondřej Kovařík, member of the European Parliament said: A very useful tool for students, using innovative tech and AI, as well as providing a tool for students to study in the way most appropriate to them.
Rikke Rosenlund, founder and CEO of BorrowMyDoggy said: He is addressing a pain point for many students, and has good initial traction.
Leo Djunbushian, UK
GreenTech Special Award of the Wise 20 Under 20
Founder of Sandsettlers, global purpose-driven company, which aims to provide self-sustaining houses for people living in desertic areas.
Taavet Hinrikus, Wise co-founder and 20 Under 20 Chairman said: Sandsettlers tackles an extreme relevant issue. The effect of climate change multiplies the number of desertic areas in the world, so the potential of this company is immense.
Roxanne Varza, director of STATION F, co-founder of StarHer and Tech.eu said: I absolutely loved this idea.
Louan Rosseau, Alejandro Cañada and Alejandro Sánchez, Spain
Co-founders of Unigow CB, online platform connecting high school students with university students to help them choose a career.
Dr Patricia Scanlon, founder and Executive Chair of SoapBox Labs said: Love the potential here, this is a real pain point for parents, like myself, and my kids.
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Neil Heinisch, Germany
Co-Founder of PlayTheHype, Gen Z marketing agency.
Verena Pausder, founder, author and Young Global Leader of the WEF said: Marketing, markets and the way we sell products change as consumers and younger generations buy differently. Having young people lead the way in this field rather than older generations talking about how young people behave is very convincing.
Paola Bonomo, non-executive Director, advisor, and business angel said: Very well done! You have established credibility and won client accounts in a very difficult market.
Hannane Chouf, France
Founder of YourPark, website where locals can rent their parking space.
Verena Pausder, founder, author and Young Global Leader of the WEF said: In times of crowded cities and parking lots taking a lot of space in the cities or at train stations and airports, I absolutely like the idea of a share offer.
Dr Patricia Scanlon, founder and Executive Chair of SoapBox Labs said: This is a fantastic idea born out of the founder's own experience, makes so much sense, will be huge.
Mariama Balde, Belgium
Founder of Prettylittleglow, cosmetics & skincare brand that stands for inclusivity and incorporates diversity.
Rikke Rosenlund, founder and CEO of BorrowMyDoggy said: Good initiative. It’s challenging to build both an online presence and a physical product.
Jules Toebosch, Belgium
Founder of Collé group BV, sustainable fashion company that provides clothing production services from A to Z.
Taavet Hinrikus, Wise co-founder and 20 Under 20 Chairman said: The fashion retail sector faces many challenges in terms of sustainability. It’s great seeing the youngest generation of entrepreneurs recognising that and helping other companies becoming greener.
Matthieu Pallud, UK & France
Founder of Mogy Services, a platform that connects parents and French babysitters in London.
Roxanne Varza, Director of STATION F, co-founder of StarHer and Tech.eu said: I can see this having huge potential worldwide.
Anita Algus, Estonia
Founder of Konnekt, a mobile card wallet.
Verena Pausder, founder, author and Young Global Leader of the WEF said: Mobile payment is the future and a fully-fletched mobile wallet that allows you to get rid of all your cards is the best start of this future.
Picture credit: Anete Nool
Olatunde Odu, UK
Founder of Bobby's Bakes, a baking business providing beautiful cake centrepieces as well as supplying local shops with smaller treats like brownies, cupcakes and cookies.
Roxanne Varza, Director of STATION F, co-founder of StarHer and Tech.eu said: Looks delicious and I love the passion!
Martin Voltz and Paul-Erwan Cleach, France
Co-Founders of MALO, a social network that connects music lovers and daily musicians around their last creations. It is above all a social network, with all its functionalities.
Dr Patricia Scanlon, founder and Executive Chair of SoapBox Labs said: Can see this idea really taking off and being the next big social network.
Derin Erçelebi, Turkey
Founder of Learch, an online community of high schoolers who teach and learn languages.
Taavet Hinrikus, Wise co-founder and 20 Under 20 Chairman said: It’s fascinating to see students find gaps in the educational system and take matters into their own hands by finding solutions. Derin’s initiative has the potential to facilitate the contact between language passionate students and boost their skills.
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Paloma Lier, France
Founder of Azart, a sustainable and ethical company transforming used denim jackets into unique pieces of art.
Taavet Hinrikus, Wise co-founder and 20 Under 20 Chairman said: Repurposing and customising clothes is one of the trends transforming the fashion industry. With her project, Paloma adds art and uniqueness to her pieces.
Morris Tann, Rasmus Susi and Helmo Oja, Estonia
Co-Founders of Meemehed, a honey e-commerce producing local, high-quality, innovative flavours.
Roxanne Varza, director of STATION F, co-founder of StarHer and Tech.eu said: Super interesting! Sounds like a great product range.
Arianna Pozzi, Italy
Founder of Gaia My Friend, a platform offering AI-powered fashion & styling advice.
Taavet Hinrikus, Wise co-founder and 20 Under 20 Chairman said: It’s great to see how AI can transform any sector, including fashion, to offer bespoke advice and add an innovative tweak to a traditional industry.
Paola Bonomo, non-executive Director, advisor, and business angel said: Fun tools to have a social fashion experience.
Hanna Siamionava, Belarus
Founder of YouthReality, a platform and a mobile app where youth can find the best-choice career.
Paola Bonomo, non-executive Director, advisor, and business angel said: College and professional orientation are areas with huge untapped needs in many countries.
Ondřej Kovařík, member of the European Parliament said: A very useful tool to help students consider what type of career they would like to follow. This business would have an effect on society as a whole.
Robert Davitt, Ireland
Founder of Hebe Adventures, the Airbnb of student travel connecting young people from all over the world with loving and caring Irish families.
Roxanne Varza, Director of STATION F, co-founder of StarHer and Tech.eu said said: Love the idea, there is huge potential!
