URGENT UPDATE: Alby Churven, a 14-year-old entrepreneur from Wollongong, Australia, has taken the tech world by storm with his viral application to Y Combinator (YC), a prestigious startup accelerator. His unique approach has sparked discussions about the advantages and challenges of starting a business at a young age.
Churven’s startup, Clovr, focuses on front-end vibecoding, a concept that has intrigued many in the tech community. He shared insights with Business Insider, revealing that his youth provides a “wow factor,” yet it also presents hurdles in gaining legitimacy among investors and peers. “People might not take you seriously if you’re really trying to pursue something,” he stated.
On November 10, 2025, Churven posted his YC application video on X, previously known as Twitter, which quickly gained traction. He candidly admits to not following the typical guidelines—his video was heavily edited rather than a simple webcam recording. “I guess that’s what made it pretty viral,” he explained, capturing the attention of budding entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts alike.
According to Churven, starting young has its perks. “You don’t have as much pressure on you financially, so you can just build things,” he said. This perspective is particularly poignant given the recent social media ban in Australia for users under 16, which Churven believes could hinder his entrepreneurial journey. Despite this, he remains focused on learning and building as many projects as possible during this formative period.
Reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey, Churven recalls launching an e-commerce grip socks brand called Alpha Grips at just 12 years old. That experience fueled his passion for business, despite its failure. He noted that many young entrepreneurs are drawn to e-commerce through the pervasive allure of “get rich quick” schemes often presented on social media.
Churven’s next steps involve applying to various accelerators and seeking funding, although he acknowledges the difficulties in raising capital due to his age. “I had a very low expectation for Y Combinator,” he admitted, having faced rejection after an interview for his other startup, Clovr. He believes that building experience now will pay off in the future, saying, “I’ve heard you have to get in the system early.”
As he navigates this landscape, Churven is also exploring grant opportunities as a way to fund his projects without giving away equity. “Giving away equity young is not a good decision,” he emphasized, highlighting the pressure it creates to perform.
Churven’s story is a powerful reminder of the potential of young entrepreneurs and the evolving tech landscape. With his sights set firmly on the future, he aims to forge connections and continue building innovative solutions. As he remarked, “My age is a wow factor, but it also limits legitimacy.”
The tech community eagerly watches to see how this young innovator will leverage his talents and experiences in the years to come. Stay tuned for more updates on Alby Churven and his journey in the world of tech entrepreneurship.
