Does your CEO act like a 14 year old? Or does your 14 year old act like a CEO?
“My goal is to never go to school again.”
This is what Ben Pasternak told the wall street journal at just 21, while discussing his multiple start ups. CEO and founder at 14, He didn’t stop with simple mobile games but went on to raise millions of dollars for his companies.
According to ABC news, young Ben Pasternak moved from Australia to New York City solo, at just 15 to pursue his venture plans. After creating a hit mobile game, impossible rush, in his middle school science class, he went on to build an app which made reselling easier within your established social networks. With “Flogg” in just a swipe, you can find things that you’re interested in purchasing from your own circles. “Like the tinder of eBay”, says an ABC reporter. This app is still trending today and his latest company is on the rise. SIMULATE is a food tech company that seeks to better create substitute meats for vegans. Well known for its chicken “NUGGS”, SIMULATE has raised over $57million in investments.
Now you may be saying, “ok, Gracie,.. I get it, this kid makes me feel both broke and old. What’s your point?”
Well first of all, wow. Look at what people are capable of when they set their minds to it. Even at such a young age, Ben didn’t let the doubts stop him. I am not one for cliche whimsey, but there is actually a lot of truth in daydreaming and pursuing BIG ideas.
I hope this will inspire you, reader, to know that age should not hold you back from pursuing big ideas.
Go pitch your ideas, give it everything you’ve got, and certainly don’t hold back because people say you’re crazy; All the best ideas are.
Imagine what would happen if Ben had let the naysayers dissuade him…. I would have to find someone else to write about.
credits:
- Instagram. (n.d.). [Photograph post]. Instagram. Retrieved [access date], from https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ84wAVAjj2/
- Wikipedia. (2025, August 25). Ben Pasternak. In Wikipedia. Retrieved [access date], from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Pasternak
- Google. (n.d.). Ben Pasternak story [Search results]. Retrieved [access date], from https://www.google.com/search?q=ben+pasternak+story
- Crunchbase. (n.d.). Flogg – Organization Profile. Retrieved [access date], from https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/flogg
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Traveling to NYC and pursing an ambitious idea at such a young age is inspiring. Ben having the confidence in his own abilities to move to a completely different world, in pursuit of his dream, is an amazing story. Ben sacrificed comfort to build a name for himself. Most people can’t do this, but only the select few have the grit to accomplish what Ben has done.
This is such an interesting person and I love your take on it! The fact that Ben was brave enough to move by himself to NYC is truly impowering. Also that Ben has made multiple start ups at such a young age is incredible. I loved reading your perspective about going and acting upon any idea you have because you never know what will work and what won’t.
This is such an inspiring story! I think that society often underestimates the younger generation’s capabilities–and look at how many successful start ups he has created! Imagine how many teens have put their ideas aside because they were told they were “too young.” This is such a great reminder to follow your dreams and ideas.