Lucy Guo, the co-founder of the tech company Scale AI, has officially entered the ranks of the world’s youngest self-made billionaires. At just 30 years old, Guo has surpassed pop icon Taylor Swift to become the youngest self-made woman billionaire, according to a recent report by Forbes.
As of April 17, 2025, Guo's net worth is estimated at $1.25 billion, primarily derived from her early ownership stake in Scale AI, a company she co-founded in 2016 with Alexandr Wang. Despite leaving the company in 2018, Guo retained a significant share, which has appreciated considerably over time. The recent surge in Scale AI's valuation—now at $25 billion—has solidified her billionaire status.
Born in 1994 in Fremont, California, Guo is the daughter of Chinese immigrants. Her journey into technology began in her teenage years when she taught herself to code and made money by creating bots for the online game Neopets. Guo later attended Carnegie Mellon University to study computer science but dropped out in 2014 after receiving the prestigious Thiel Fellowship, which awarded her $100,000 to pursue her entrepreneurial ambitions.
Guo's entrepreneurial spirit led her to co-found Scale AI, which specializes in data labeling for artificial intelligence applications—a process often referred to as the "picks and shovels of AI." The company counts the U.S. government and OpenAI among its clients. After a successful tenure, Guo departed from Scale AI in 2018, reportedly due to a 'difference of opinion' with Wang.
Following her exit, Guo continued her entrepreneurial journey. In 2019, she co-founded Backend Capital, a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage companies. Then in 2022, she launched a Web3 platform called Passes, designed to support creators and similar to platforms like Patreon. Over the course of two years, Passes raised $50 million from investors, further demonstrating Guo's prowess in the tech industry.
However, Passes has faced challenges, including a recent lawsuit alleging it hosted child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The company has firmly denied these claims, stating that it has never approved or condoned the posting of underage explicit content. In response to the allegations, Passes has taken steps to ban all underage accounts prior to the lawsuit.
Guo's rise to billionaire status highlights the significant strides women are making in the tech industry and how young entrepreneurs are creating wealth through innovation and hard work. According to Forbes, she is one of only six self-made female billionaires under the age of 40 globally, and the only one who has amassed the majority of her wealth from a company she left years ago.
In addition to her professional achievements, Guo maintains a vibrant personal life. She is known for her dedication to fitness and often shares her workout milestones on social media. In early April, she posted a photo celebrating her completion of 3,000 classes at Barry’s Bootcamp gym, stating, "Discipline > Sleep. 3000 classes done!"
Guo’s lifestyle also includes enjoying music festivals, as evidenced by her recent involvement in hosting a large party for the Coachella Music Festival, which began on April 11, 2025. She indicated that "thousands" had RSVP’d for the event, showcasing her ability to blend work with social engagements.
With her recent achievements, Guo has officially taken the title from Taylor Swift, who previously held the record for the youngest self-made woman billionaire since late 2023. Guo’s journey from a middle school coder to a billionaire entrepreneur serves as an inspiring narrative for young women and aspiring tech entrepreneurs worldwide.
The recent valuation of Scale AI marks an 80% increase from its previous valuation of $13.8 billion last May, further solidifying the company's position in the tech landscape. This rapid growth not only reflects the increasing importance of AI but also highlights Guo's influential role in the industry.
As the tech world continues to evolve, Lucy Guo stands out not only for her remarkable financial achievements but also for her commitment to fostering innovation and supporting creators through her ventures. Her story is a testament to the potential for success through entrepreneurship, especially in the rapidly growing fields of artificial intelligence and digital platforms.
In a landscape often dominated by established figures, Guo’s ascent is a refreshing reminder of the power of youthful ambition and the impact of technology on modern entrepreneurship. As she continues to navigate her path, the world watches closely, eager to see what her next move will be.
