Desi Tech Titans: How Two 22-Year-Olds Became AI Billionaires

The Rise of Mercor: A Silicon Valley Success Story

In a remarkable display of entrepreneurial spirit and technological innovation, Adarsh Hiremath, Surya Midha, and Brendan Foody, all just 22 years old, have achieved billionaire status. Their AI recruiting platform, Mercor, recently secured a staggering $350 million in funding, catapulting the company’s valuation to $10 billion. This incredible feat marks them as the world's youngest self-made billionaires, a testament to the booming AI industry and the power of youthful ambition.

The story began with a simple idea: connecting skilled software engineers in India with U.S. startups. However, recognizing the burgeoning demand for “human-in-the-loop” services crucial for refining AI models like ChatGPT, they pivoted their focus. This strategic shift proved to be the key to their explosive growth.

Image: Adarsh Hiremath, Brendan Foody, and Surya Midha - Founders of Mercor. View Image

The Founding Team: A Blend of Skills and Vision

The trio’s diverse backgrounds and complementary skills have been instrumental in Mercor’s success. Brendan Foody serves as CEO, steering the company’s overall strategy. Adarsh Hiremath, whose parents emigrated from Karnataka, holds the position of CTO, overseeing the platform’s technological development. Surya Midha, whose parents emigrated from New Delhi, chairs the board, providing crucial guidance and oversight. All three are Thiel Fellowship recipients, having received $100,000 to forgo traditional college education and pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.

Mercor's Business Model: Powering the AI Revolution

Mercor isn't just a recruiting platform; it's a critical component of the AI development pipeline. Major AI labs and tech giants, including OpenAI, Anthropic, Google DeepMind, and six of the “Magnificent Seven” tech companies, rely on Mercor to source the talent needed to refine raw compute power into smarter AI. The platform connects these companies with skilled individuals who provide the “human-in-the-loop” services essential for training and improving AI models.

Rapid Funding and Valuation Growth

Mercor’s journey has been marked by a series of impressive funding rounds. In September 2024, they secured a $32 million Series A, valuing the company at $250 million. Just six months later, in February 2025, a $100 million Series B round sent their valuation soaring to $2 billion, earning them the title of Silicon Valley’s fastest-growing startup. This rapid ascent underscores the immense potential of their platform and the growing demand for AI talent.

The Thiel Fellowship Advantage

The Thiel Fellowship played a pivotal role in accelerating Mercor’s growth. The $100,000 grant allowed the founders to dedicate themselves fully to their startup, bypassing the traditional college route and focusing on building their business. This demonstrates the value of alternative education pathways and the potential for young entrepreneurs to disrupt established industries.

Implications for the Future of AI and Recruiting

Mercor’s success highlights the critical role of human talent in the development of advanced AI. As AI models become increasingly complex, the demand for skilled individuals who can provide human oversight and refinement will only continue to grow. Mercor is positioned to capitalize on this trend, becoming a vital link between AI companies and the talent they need to succeed. Learn More About AI Talent

Key Takeaways

• Three 22-year-olds became the world's youngest self-made billionaires.
• Mercor, their AI recruiting platform, is valued at $10 billion.
• The company connects AI labs with human talent for “human-in-the-loop” services.
• The Thiel Fellowship provided crucial early funding and support.