Forbes Under 30 Summit 2026 Opens in Phoenix with Speakers and Events

Monday, Randall Lane opened the programming by discussing opportunities for young entrepreneurs in the current environment. He noted that digital tools and AI enable faster company building and described the summit as a platform for networking. Lane stated that someone among the attendees could achieve significant success, such as building a major company or becoming president.

Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, welcomed participants and discussed Arizona's growth as a location for industry and innovation. She mentioned investments in the state and its appeal to founders.

of Famer Dwyane Wade

spoke with Moira Forbes about his transition from basketball to business and investing. Wade said his drive comes from family and community, and he emphasized work ethic, patience, and building relationships. He noted that business involves a slower pace compared to sports.

Lindsey Carter, founder of Set Active, and Jake Karls, cofounder of Mid-Day Squares, discussed strategies for building brands through community and storytelling. They highlighted transparency, authenticity, and challenges like inventory management during scaling.

Shawn Fanning, cofounder of Napster, and Andrew Frame, founder and CEO of Citizen, spoke with Steve Bertoni, assistant managing editor at Forbes. They shared their experiences starting companies that changed industries, beginning from their involvement in a hacker group. The founders noted that innovative ideas often face resistance and advised aiming for ambitious objectives.