Asian Americans Founders make an impact in Forbes 30 under 30

88tumble
Dec 5, 2025
3 min read

The release of the Forbes 30 Under 30 Class of 2026 on December 2 marked a pivotal moment in the tech and cultural landscape. While the headlines rightly focus on the staggering $3.8 billion in funding raised by this cohort and the overwhelming dominance of artificial intelligence, a closer look reveals a distinct and powerful narrative thread: the profound impact of Asian and Asian American innovators who are not just riding the wave of the future—they are architecting it.

In a year where 41% of the list identifies as persons of color and 22% are immigrants, the Asian honorees stand out not merely for their representation, but for the specific nature of their contributions. From the youngest honoree on the entire list to the founders securing nine-figure investments, this year's Asian excellence is defined by a convergence of high-tech capability and deep human empathy.

The AI Vanguard: Building with Purpose

It is impossible to discuss the Class of 2026 without addressing the AI revolution, and Asian founders are sitting firmly in the driver’s seat. However, unlike the abstract "tech for tech's sake" of previous booms, these leaders are solving tangible, friction-heavy problems.

Take Jesse Zhang, the 28-year-old CEO of Decagon, who stands as a titan in the Enterprise Technology category. Having raised $255 million—one of the highest sums in the entire class—Zhang isn't just building chatbots; he is fundamentally rewiring how major corporations like Duolingo and Hertz interact with their customers. His work signifies a maturity in the AI sector where Asian leadership is synonymous with enterprise-grade reliability and scale.

Similarly, in the creative sector, Sharon Lee (25) and Fan-Yun Sun (28) of Moonlake AI are democratizing creation. By building AI that generates interactive 3D environments, they are handing the keys of world-building to gamers and filmmakers, proving that technical brilliance can serve artistic expression rather than replace it.

The Youngest Visionary

Perhaps the most compelling story of the entire 2026 class is that of Momin Ahmed. At just 17 years old, Ahmed is the youngest honoree on the list, earning his spot in the Education category. His venture, the Model UN Academy, has already reached 17,000 students across 101 countries.

Ahmed’s inclusion is a powerful reminder that Asian excellence is not confined to Silicon Valley boardrooms. His work is rooted in civic engagement and global literacy, bridging gaps for students who might otherwise be left out of the diplomatic conversation. He represents a generation of Asian youth who are bypassing traditional ladders of success to build their own platforms for social impact.

Sustaining the Planet and the Soul

Beyond the digital realm, this class showcases Asian leaders tackling existential threats to our planet and culture. Kelly Pan, co-founder of Impact Food, is reimagining the global food system. Recognized for her work in creating plant-based seafood, Pan is addressing the urgent crisis of overfishing with a solution that refuses to compromise on culinary experience. Her work highlights a cultural nuance: using food—a central pillar of Asian heritage—as a vehicle for environmental salvation.

In the Art & Style category, Filipina artist Kim Cruz reminds us that "excellence" includes the preservation of humanity. Through her Kalma Art Foundation, she channels the proceeds of her success into art therapy for survivors of human trafficking in the Philippines. Her presence on the list is a testament to the fact that the modern Asian creative is often a hybrid: part artist, part activist, and entirely community-focused.

The Cultural Storytellers

Finally, the Hollywood & Entertainment list sees stars like Anna Cathcart transitioning from child actors to industry power players. Known to millions as Kitty Song-Covey, Cathcart’s evolution from a supporting role to a lead producer on her own franchise signals a shift where Asian women are no longer just characters in someone else’s story—they are the authors of their own.

Conclusion

The Asian honorees of the Forbes 30 Under 30 Class of 2026 are not just a statistic of "diversity." They are the functional backbone of this year’s most exciting innovations. Whether it is Jesse Zhang securing the infrastructure of the AI economy, Momin Ahmed educating the next generation of diplomats, or Kelly Pan feeding the future, these leaders share a common trait: they are using their excellence to humanize the systems around us. In doing so, they have ensured that the future is not just faster or smarter, but also more sustainable and inclusive.

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