Image credit: Passes
Lucy Guo has become a name synonymous with tech entrepreneurship, innovation, and the creator economy. At just 30 years old, she has ascended to the elite ranks of self-made billionaires, making history as the youngest self-made female billionaire in the tech industry. From her early days in artificial intelligence to her recent ventures into the creator economy, Lucy’s journey offers an inspiring story of resilience, vision, and entrepreneurship.
From tech innovator to billionaire entrepreneur
Lucy Guo’s story begins with a strong academic and professional foundation in technology. A graduate of the prestigious University of California, Berkeley, Guo entered the world of Silicon Valley with a passion for innovation. However, her rise to fame started in 2016 when she co-founded Scale AI with her former colleague Alexandr Wang. The company quickly became a leader in the artificial intelligence sector, providing data annotation services to machine learning models. These services were crucial for training AI algorithms, and Scale AI helped bring more sophisticated machine learning solutions to companies across industries, from autonomous driving to e-commerce.
Guo’s role in Scale AI was central to its success, not only because of her technical expertise but also her ability to raise capital and attract top-tier investors. Scale AI raised millions in funding, attracting investors such as Founders Fund and Index Ventures, and rapidly expanded its footprint in the AI and tech industries.
But despite Scale AI’s soaring success, Lucy Guo parted ways with the company in 2018, due to differences in vision with her co-founder. While this could have been a setback for many, Guo remained resilient and determined to continue her entrepreneurial journey, leveraging her deep understanding of the tech landscape and the growing need for innovation in emerging industries.
The creator economy and Passes: a new venture
After leaving Scale AI, Lucy turned her attention to the rapidly growing creator economy. This emerging sector allows influencers, content creators, and artists to connect with their audiences in more direct and meaningful ways. Observing the market’s need for better monetization tools for content creators, she founded Passes, a subscription-based platform designed to help creators engage with their followers while maintaining full control over their revenue streams.
Passes has since become a revolutionary platform, attracting millions of users and investors. The company raised $40 million in Series A funding in 2023, bringing it closer to its goal of reshaping the creator economy. Under Guo’s leadership, Passes allows creators to manage content subscriptions, offer exclusive services, and engage with their communities more directly, offering a suite of tools that cater to influencers across various industries, from music to fitness.
Lucy’s decision to venture into the creator economy was driven by her belief in the potential for individuals to control their careers and destinies. Speaking to Inc., Guo said “If you ask the average elementary school student what they want to be when they grow up, ‘creator’ is the most popular answer right now.” By empowering creators with tools to engage directly with their fans, Guo has been able to tap into an ever-growing market and build a company that speaks to the aspirations of modern content creators.
Challenges along the way
While Passes has seen significant success, Lucy’s journey has not been without its challenges. The company faced legal scrutiny in 2025 when it was named in a class-action lawsuit involving underage creators. Although Guo and Passes have denied the allegations, the case has highlighted the challenges of running a platform in an increasingly regulated and scrutinised industry. Despite this, Guo’s leadership and unwavering commitment to creating a safe and compliant environment for creators have remained at the forefront of the company’s mission.
This period of legal scrutiny hasn’t dampened Lucy’s resolve, and she has continued to drive her company forward, proving that adversity can be an important catalyst for growth and resilience.
Becoming a billionaire: the journey to self-made success
Lucy Guo’s transition from co-founder of Scale AI to founder of Passes reflects her incredible entrepreneurial acumen. Her ability to build successful businesses and generate significant value has earned her a spot among the world’s youngest self-made billionaires. But what sets her apart is not just the financial success – Lucy Guo has broken down barriers for women in tech and entrepreneurship.
“You might be underestimated at the moment, but use that to your advantage. Don’t let it get to you; use the negative energy to drive you and prove everyone wrong.”
Her recognition as the youngest female billionaire in tech is a significant achievement in a field where women are still underrepresented, especially in leadership roles. Guo’s success is a beacon for women who aspire to start their own ventures or rise to the top in male-dominated industries. She has been vocal about the need for greater diversity and inclusion in tech, serving as a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Guo’s venture into the creator economy further showcases her innovative mindset. By recognising the growing power of social media influencers and content creators, she capitalised on a business model that has reshaped how audiences engage with content. Her work with Passes highlights her ability to foresee market trends and align her business strategy with the future of digital entrepreneurship.
What’s next for Lucy Guo?
As Lucy Guo continues to lead Passes and expand her influence in the tech world, her future remains as bright as ever. The creator economy is expected to continue growing, and Lucy is at the helm of a company poised to lead in this space. Her vision for the future of technology is one where individuals, particularly women, can shape their own destinies by embracing innovation and new opportunities in emerging markets.
Guo’s work has already laid the groundwork for the next generation of women in technology and entrepreneurship. Through her ventures, she’s creating pathways for young women to follow in her footsteps, breaking down traditional barriers and empowering women to lead in the world of tech and beyond.
Conclusion: a tech icon for the next generation
Lucy Guo’s journey to becoming the youngest self-made female billionaire in tech is a testament to the power of innovation, vision, and hard work. Her success in AI and the creator economy speaks to her ability to identify untapped markets and create groundbreaking solutions that change the landscape of tech entrepreneurship. As a leader, investor, and advocate for women in tech, Lucy continues to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs to believe in themselves and their ability to reshape the future of technology.
Lucy Guo’s story is far from over, and as she continues to innovate and lead, she remains one of the most exciting figures in the world of tech. For women aspiring to make their mark in tech, her story serves as a powerful reminder that with the right mix of passion, resilience, and vision, anything is possible.
