Steven Galanis, 31
Co-founder, CEO, Cameo
Galanis grew up around the glam of the entertainment business. He even produced a low-budget action TV show with actor Dolph Lundgren while working as a CBOE options trader. But he really cashed in on D-list stars like Lundgren when he and some friends created Cameo, a marketplace that allows people to pay celebrities and athletes to provide video shoutouts, taunts or other personalized messages for a fee. The idea went viral, but people really took notice when A-list Silicon Valley investor Kleiner Perkins reportedly led a $50 million investment.
Who knew? Galanis was a state champion hockey goalie and class president at Glenbrook South High School who sailed around the world while in college.