BREAKING: 14-year-old entrepreneur Alby Churven has taken the startup world by storm after his Y Combinator application video went viral on X (formerly Twitter). Churven, founder of Clovr, a front-end vibecoding startup, is making headlines as he navigates the challenges and opportunities of starting a business at such a young age.
Churven’s journey began at just 12 years old when he launched an e-commerce grip socks brand called Alpha Grips, which ultimately failed. However, this setback ignited his passion for entrepreneurship. “The benefits of starting young is that you don’t have as much pressure on you financially, so you can just build things,” he stated in a recent interview with Business Insider.
His viral application video, posted on November 10, 2025, showcased a highly edited pitch that deviated from the typical format, which contributed to its popularity. “I guess that’s what made it pretty viral,” Churven remarked. This innovative approach to his application has drawn attention not only from the startup community but also from media outlets around the world.
However, Churven faces unique challenges as a young founder. He expressed concerns about the recent social media ban in Australia for individuals under 16, which could hinder his ability to connect and promote his ventures. “All these great things have happened for me with it, but the social media ban is taking that away,” he lamented.
Despite the hurdles, Churven remains optimistic. He believes that being a teenage entrepreneur allows him to build valuable connections and gain experience. “When you’re young, you can utilize your age to make a lot of connections. It’s more rare,” he explained, highlighting the advantages of his youth.
Churven’s ambition doesn’t stop with Clovr. He aims to explore various startup opportunities while learning as much as possible about the tech industry. “My goal right now is to build as many things as possible and see where it goes,” he stated.
As his projects evolve, Churven is also aware of the difficulties in securing funding. “It’s impossible to raise funding when you’re young,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of bootstrapping his initiatives. He has applied to various accelerators, including Y Combinator, with hopes of gaining vital experience for future applications.
Churven is also considering grants as a more favorable option for funding, as they allow him to retain equity and reduce pressure. “I think giving away equity young is not a good decision,” he cautioned.
The young founder’s story is resonating with many aspiring entrepreneurs and has sparked conversations about the future of youth in business. As he continues to navigate the startup landscape, Churven’s journey serves as a reminder of the potential that lies in young innovators.
Stay tuned for further developments on Alby Churven and his entrepreneurial journey. With his viral application and ambitious goals, he is set to make waves in the tech world.
