WHAT I LEARN FROM 15-Year-Old Entrepreneur Looking to Raise Capital for His First Deal
Inspiration
At 21, I Was Approached by a 15-Year-Old Entrepreneur Looking to Raise Capital for His First Deal
Right after finishing my military service, I attended my first real estate conference. My English was far from fluent, and I was pretty shy. Among the crowd, a young boy, the youngest person in the room, approached me.
“Take a look at my notebook. These are all the numbers for the deal. I need $80,000—what do you think?”
Flattered by the bold approach, I was curious but quick to dismiss his request:
“I’m probably the last person in this room you want to raise money from, but I’d love to hear more about the deal.”
At just 15 years old, Jake managed to raise the required amount for his first real estate deal. He chose to do a flip, though he didn’t make much profit from it. However, by the time he turned 17, Jake had completed eight more real estate exits. His journey in real estate began young, but his early experiences set the foundation for future successes.
Age Doesn’t Matter—Results Do
One of the most profound lessons I took away from this experience was that age is only a factor when you have nothing more compelling to bring to the table. As my good friend Daniel often says, “Age becomes a factor only when you don’t have something more attractive to offer.”
Jake, at 15, didn’t have the years of experience, but what he did have was a sharp understanding of the numbers, a clear plan, and the confidence to approach potential investors. His pitch was unconventional, but that’s what set him apart. While I didn’t invest in that particular deal, the conversation taught me the value of having a clear proposition, regardless of age or background.
The Importance of Boldness and Curiosity in Real Estate
Jake’s story highlights an important truth in real estate: you don’t need to wait until you’re older or more established to start making moves. Sometimes, the boldness to approach others, combined with genuine curiosity and willingness to learn, is enough to open doors.
For young aspiring entrepreneurs, this story serves as a reminder that being prepared and confident in your ideas can make all the difference. Jake may not have made a fortune on his first deal, but his willingness to take action set him on the path to future success. By the time he reached 17, he had already completed eight more successful transactions, building a solid foundation for his career.
What Can We Learn from Jake’s Journey?
- Age is Just a Number
Success in real estate doesn’t depend on how old you are but on how well you understand the market and your ability to execute. - Confidence Opens Doors
Jake’s ability to approach investors and pitch his deal was key to his early success. Confidence, paired with knowledge, can make a huge difference when raising capital or closing deals. - The First Deal is Just the Beginning
Even if the first deal doesn’t yield massive profits, it’s a stepping stone. Jake learned from his first flip and used that experience to keep growing and closing more deals.
Jake’s story is one of courage and determination, showing that in real estate, mindset and preparedness often matter more than age. For anyone looking to break into the industry, it’s worth remembering that bold moves and a clear plan can get you farther than you might think—even if you’re just getting started.