From Ballerina to Billionaire: Meet Luana Lopes Lara, the World’s Youngest Self-Made Woman
Luana Lopes Lara, the Brazilian entrepreneur behind the prediction market platform, Kalshi, has officially become the world’s youngest self-made female billionaire, according to a recent Forbes report. At just 29 years old, Lara dethrones Lucy Guo, the 31-year-old co-founder of Scale AI, who previously held the title after surpassing Taylor Swift in April 2025.
Lara’s Rise to the Top
Lara’s journey to billionaire status began six years ago when she co-founded Kalshi. The fintech company’s valuation has skyrocketed to an impressive $11 billion following a successful $1 billion funding round, propelling both founders into billionaire territory. Lara and her co-founder each own an estimated 12% of the company, translating to a net worth of $1.3 billion. Notably, Kalshi’s valuation has increased more than fivefold in under six months, highlighting the rapid growth and success of the platform. Before her foray into the world of finance and technology, Lara dedicated her teenage years to ballet, training rigorously at the Bolshoi Theater School in Brazil for up to 10 hours daily. This dedication and discipline have clearly translated into her entrepreneurial pursuits.
Lara’s story is a testament to the power of innovation and hard work. Her journey from the Bolshoi stage to the forefront of the fintech industry is an inspiring example of how diverse backgrounds and experiences can converge to create groundbreaking success.
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