From USC to CEO: 5 Inspiring Stories of Entrepreneurship
Aspiring entrepreneurs around the world look up to successful businessmen for inspiration and guidance. The journey from establishing a startup to becoming a CEO is not an easy one and requires considerable effort, perseverance, and hard work. Here are 5 inspiring stories of entrepreneurs who started from the University of Southern California (USC) and made it big in their respective fields.
1. Evan Spiegel
Evan Spiegel is the co-founder and CEO of Snap Inc., the parent company of the popular social media app Snapchat. Spiegel started his journey towards entrepreneurship while studying at Stanford University but transferred to the USC while in his junior year. While at USC, Spiegel met his future co-founder, Bobby Murphy, and together they built Snap Inc. into one of the most successful technology companies in the world today.
2. Neil Blumenthal
Neil Blumenthal, along with three other friends, founded Warby Parker, one of the leading online eyeglasses retailers globally. Blumenthal graduated from USC with a degree in international relations, but his passion for eyewear design and quality propelled him towards entrepreneurship. Today, Warby Parker has successfully disrupted the eyewear industry by offering affordable, high-quality glasses that can be ordered online.
3. Bryan Meehan
Bryan Meehan is a well-known entrepreneur and investor who co-founded the leading organic food company, Nude Brands, in the UK. Meehan graduated from USC with a degree in business administration in the early 1980s, after which he spent several years working as a consultant and venture capitalist before founding Nude Brands. Today, Nude Brands is a respected organic food brand, and Meehan is a prominent name in the world of entrepreneurship and investment.
4. Ben Silbermann
Ben Silbermann is the co-founder and CEO of Pinterest, one of the fastest-growing social media platforms in the world today. Silbermann graduated from USC with a degree in political science before beginning his career at Google. However, his entrepreneurial spirit soon led him to launch Pinterest along with co-founders Paul Sciarra and Evan Sharp. Silbermann’s dedication and vision have helped Pinterest grow exponentially, and the company is now valued at over $12 billion.
5. Nat Turner
Nat Turner is a successful entrepreneur and investor who co-founded Flatiron Health, a healthcare technology company that specializes in cancer treatments. Turner graduated from USC with a degree in computer science and went on to co-found Flatiron Health in 2012. The company was acquired by Roche, a Swiss pharmaceutical company, in 2018, for a whopping $2.1 billion, cementing Turner’s status as one of the most successful entrepreneurs of his generation.
Conclusion
From Snapchat and Pinterest to Warby Parker and Nude Brands, these entrepreneurs have shown that with dedication, perseverance, and hard work, anything is possible. The journey from USC to CEO might not be an easy one, but these inspiring stories prove that it is certainly achievable. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a student looking for inspiration, these stories will motivate you to pursue your dreams and make them a reality.
