On April 1, 2025, Forbes released its highly anticipated list of the world's youngest billionaires, highlighting two Brazilian sisters, Lívia Voigt and Dora Voigt, who have once again made their mark. At 20 and 27 years old respectively, the sisters have each accumulated an estimated fortune of US$ 1.2 billion (approximately R$ 6.8 billion), solidifying their status among the wealthiest heirs globally.
Lívia, the younger of the two, is ranked as the second-youngest billionaire in the world, while Dora occupies the 14th spot on the list. Both sisters are shareholders of WEG, a leading Brazilian electric motor manufacturer founded by their late grandfather, Werner Ricardo Voigt, in 1961. They collectively own 3.1% of the company, which produces over 21 million electric motors annually and exports to more than 135 countries.
Their fortune saw a notable increase of US$ 100 million over the past year, up from US$ 1.1 billion, reflecting the continued success of WEG in the global market. Despite their immense wealth, Lívia and Dora maintain a low profile, residing in Florianópolis, Brazil. Lívia is currently pursuing a degree in psychology at a local university. Following her appearance on the Forbes list in 2024, she requested privacy on her social media accounts, which are now closed to the public.
In the broader context of the Forbes ranking, Lívia and Dora are the only representatives from Latin America among the top 21 billionaires. The list is predominantly occupied by heirs from Europe and Asia, with Johannes von Baumbach, a 19-year-old from Germany, taking the title of the youngest billionaire with a net worth of US$ 5.4 billion. He is followed by Lívia and the Italian Clemente Del Vecchio, who is also 20 years old and has a fortune of US$ 6.6 billion.
The Voigt sisters' inclusion in this prestigious list for the second consecutive year highlights not only their personal achievements but also the significant role of family businesses in wealth creation. WEG, under their grandfather's legacy, has thrived as a major player in the electric motor industry, contributing to Brazil's economic landscape.
As the global economy continues to evolve, the Voigt sisters represent a new generation of billionaires who are navigating their inherited wealth in a world that increasingly values privacy and discretion. Their story is a reminder of the impact of family legacies in shaping the future of industries and the lives of individuals.
In summary, the Forbes list of 2025 not only showcases the wealth of Lívia and Dora Voigt but also underscores the significance of their family's contributions to the electric motor sector, ensuring their place in the annals of wealth history.
