4. Eric Simons

Claim To Fame: Created ClassConnect at 19

Eric has successfully launched Classconnect, a platform for teachers to create and compare lesson plans. His website received a funding of $20,000 from a business incubator that used AOL’s Palo Alto office. Eric worked at the AOL office and also lived there for two entire months.

He was out of money and had to secretly spend nights on office couches hiding from the night guards. He successfully pulled this off for 2 months but was booted out when one guard found him. Since then he received $50,000 for his start up and has rented a house.

His story caught on the networking websites and has earned him a reputation of a tough and dedicated guy. “To put the odds in your favour, you’ve got to use all of the resources you can,” he said. “You have to figure out ways of staying alive.” We are sure; this spirit will make him a success very soon.