The belief that business success requires decades of experience is a myth. Some of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs started young, while others found their breakthrough later in life. The common denominator? Action. During the CoinRock Show, Matthias emphasized this truth, debunking the notion that age determines one’s ability to build, innovate, and invest.
“One of the things I want everyone to understand is you don’t need to wait until you’re 50 years old to start either investing or building things.” – Matthias
Entrepreneurship Rewards Action, Not Age
History is filled with examples of entrepreneurs who found success at both ends of the age spectrum. Mark Zuckerberg co-founded Facebook at 19, while Colonel Sanders launched KFC at 65. According to a study by the Kauffman Foundation, the average age of a successful startup founder is 45, but this statistic shouldn’t discourage young entrepreneurs. The key takeaway isn’t that older founders are better—it’s that success comes to those who take action, regardless of when they start.
Matthias reinforced this idea on the show, citing Kosuke as a prime example. At just 24, Kosuke had already built and exited a media business, raised over $1 million for his blockchain gaming startup, and pivoted to AI-powered solutions. This level of achievement wasn’t because of his age, but because he refused to wait for the “perfect” moment.
“If you get anything right in your first business, which you did, it’s a big win because it sets you up for everything that follows.” – Matthias
Why Taking Action Matters More Than Perfect Timing
One of the biggest barriers to success is waiting for the right time. Many aspiring entrepreneurs hesitate, believing they need more experience, a better network, or ideal market conditions. But as Matthias pointed out, the perfect moment doesn’t exist. The business world rewards those who move quickly, adapt, and learn from their experiences.
This principle is especially relevant in fast-moving industries like crypto and AI, where innovation happens in real time. A 2023 report by CB Insights found that 70% of startup failures are due to inaction, either from fear of competition, market hesitations, or lack of execution. Entrepreneurs who wait often find themselves left behind by those who simply leaped.
Kosuke’s journey into crypto investing was a prime example. He didn’t wait until he had extensive financial knowledge—he started in 2020, learned through experience, and adapted when challenges arose. This willingness to take action allowed him to build valuable networks, attract venture capital, and develop AI-driven technology.
Failure Is Growth, Inaction is The Real Enemy
Many fear failure so much that they never start. But the reality is that failure is often the best teacher. Matthias highlighted this during the conversation, stressing that making mistakes early is not a setback—it’s an essential part of the journey.
“Mistakes are inevitable. The difference between those who succeed and those who don’t is how quickly they learn and move forward.” – Matthias
The most successful entrepreneurs aren’t the ones who never fail; they’re the ones who fail smart. Jeff Bezos, before building Amazon into a trillion-dollar company, had multiple failed ventures, including an online auction site that never took off. But instead of stopping, he pivoted and refined his approach.
Start Now, Learn as You Go
Waiting for the perfect time to start a business, invest, or build something new is a mistake. As Matthias pointed out, success isn’t about age—it’s about taking action, adapting, and refining your skills along the way. Whether you’re 19 or 50, the best time to start is always now.
The real differentiator between those who make it and those who don’t isn’t experience, funding, or connections. It’s the ability to take action, learn from failure, and keep pushing forward.
