Episode Details
Back to Episodes
Why Older Workers Are Starting More Companies Than Millennials
Description
Episode 27 of The Demographics Podcast examines a counterintuitive trend: people over 55 are now the fastest-growing group of new entrepreneurs in the United States. Lucas and Luna dig into the data from the Kauffman Foundation, which shows that 27% of new entrepreneurs in 2025 were aged 55 to 64, up from 15% two decades ago. They discuss why older founders succeed more often than younger ones—better networks, deeper industry knowledge, and lower failure rates—and what this means for economic growth, innovation, and retirement. The episode also explores the rise of 'encore careers' and how companies are starting to court older talent for startup roles. Specific examples include Barbara Beskind, who became a designer at IDEO at age 89, and the growing number of senior-focused venture capital funds. Lucas and Luna also consider the downsides: older entrepreneurs often have less risk tolerance and shorter time horizons, which can limit their impact. The conversation ends with a look at how governments could better support late-career entrepreneurship through tax incentives and mentorship programs.