10 Entrepreneurs Who Transformed Their Industries in the Last Decade

Picking the top 10 entrepreneurs from the past decade is no easy task—there are so many people out there shaking things up in their own way. It’s a bit like choosing a favorite pizza topping: everyone’s got their own opinion. For this list, I looked for folks who didn’t just make a pile of money or get famous, but actually changed the way their industry works. Some of them made things easier for millions of people, others used their companies to make a positive impact, and a few just dreamed bigger than anyone else. Here are 10 entrepreneurs who really made a difference in the last ten years.

Key Takeaways

• The 10 entrepreneurs on this list each changed their industry in a big way.
• Innovation, risk-taking, and fresh ideas set these leaders apart.
• Social responsibility and supporting others stood out as important traits.
• Many started with little experience in their chosen fields.
• Their stories show that bold moves can lead to huge changes.

1. Elon Musk

Elon Musk’s name often comes up whenever people talk about radical changes in technology, industry, and even pop culture. Over the past decade, he’s gone from being recognized as the Tesla guy to the force behind so many huge shifts in transportation, energy, and space. He isn’t just leading one company—he’s turning entire industries upside down.

Here are some ways Musk has transformed major fields:

• Electric Vehicles: Tesla’s Model S sedan changed public opinion about electric cars, showing they could be practical, high-performing, and actually fun to drive. Now, traditional automakers feel real pressure to electrify their line-ups.
• Space Exploration: Through SpaceX, Musk introduced reusable rockets and massively reduced the cost of sending stuff (and people) to space. The company became the first private outfit to send a craft to the International Space Station.
• Energy Solutions: With projects like Powerwall and the construction of giant "gigafactories," Musk pushed forward renewable energy storage and production. He also built the world’s largest lithium ion battery for South Australia’s grid, in an unbelievably short timeframe.

Table: Tesla and SpaceX Highlights (2015-2025)

Blockquote:

Pushing big ideas into reality, Musk shows how audacity and persistence can move technology much faster than most expect—sometimes with more drama than success, but always with big impact.

For those interested in how digital transformation and new ideas drive business progress, examining broader industry trends can be eye-opening—see how blockchain and advanced tech influence leaders like Musk in articles about the evolution of technology and business success.

2. Tobi Lütke

Tobi Lütke, originally from Germany and now based in Canada, changed online retail with the creation of Shopify. He started out just wanting to set up an online snowboard shop, but when he couldn’t find good software tools for selling online, he built his own. That software became Shopify, and since then, it has become the backbone for millions of e-commerce businesses around the world.

Here’s what makes Lütke’s impact on e-commerce so major:

• Turned Shopify into a tool used by small hobby shops and global brands alike, making online selling accessible to almost anyone.
• Focused on a simple and user-friendly experience, so entrepreneurs spend less time worrying about tech and more time growing their business.
• Created an ecosystem with easy app integrations, payment solutions, and support for new sales channels (including social media stores).

Shopify in Numbers

Shopify has helped lower the barrier for starting an online business and let entrepreneurs focus on their products and customers, instead of getting tangled up in complicated tech.

Tobi Lütke’s approach proved that even one person’s frustration with technology can spark a huge industry change. Shopify continues to grow, supporting businesses in over 175 countries, and inspiring a new generation of digital entrepreneurs.

3. Anne Wojcicki

Anne Wojcicki, founder and CEO of 23andMe, stands out for shaking up how we understand personal health and genetics. Her bold move was to put DNA testing directly in the hands of ordinary people. This wasn’t just about learning where your ancestors came from. Wojcicki wanted everyone to have affordable access to their health data—so they could make more informed choices for their futures.

But it wasn’t smooth sailing. In 2013, the federal government halted 23andMe from sharing health-risk reports. While most companies would backtrack after such a major roadblock, Wojcicki dug in. She doubled efforts with her team, working closely with regulators to win the first FDA approval for direct-to-consumer health genetic testing in the US. Now, through a simple saliva test, customers can learn about genetic risks for conditions like celiac disease or type 2 diabetes. The list of approved reports is growing each year.

Here’s a quick look at 23andMe’s reach:

Besides personal health, Wojcicki has positioned 23andMe at the center of new drug discovery efforts. By teaming up with major players (like GlaxoSmithKline investing $300 million), the company is using its massive genetic database to search for cures for diseases such as Parkinson’s.

Here’s what makes Wojcicki significant in the last decade:

• Fought for consumer rights to personal health data when challenged by regulators
• Guided 23andMe from ancestry-only testing to all-new FDA-approved health services
• Opened new doors in drug research using the world’s largest database of genetic information

By turning a seemingly niche product into something millions use and trust, she’s sparked conversations about privacy, business, and what we do with our health information. That ongoing debate is just as important as the science itself.

The innovation happening in fields like digital transformation and data management echoes throughout tech ecosystems, especially in regions comparable to California’s growing landscape of tech-driven enterprises. Wojcicki’s determination ensures her mark—both in business and in the changing lives of her customers—will last far beyond this decade.

4. Jennifer Hyman

Jennifer Hyman is a name that stands out for changing how people think about fashion and clothing ownership. As the co-founder and CEO of Rent the Runway, she introduced the idea that you don’t always have to buy new clothes—you can rent them for a fraction of the price. This shift toward fashion rental has encouraged a new way to dress and shop, without the commitment of owning everything you wear.

Hyman’s leadership has helped Rent the Runway reach millions of members, making it a key player in the growing sharing economy. The platform’s influence isn’t just about giving customers a different option—it’s also prompted larger retailers to offer rental services and rethink traditional business models.

Here’s how Jennifer Hyman changed her industry:

• She made high-end fashion more affordable and accessible to wide audiences.
• She convinced major designers and investors to take part in a rental model, which was a hard sell at first.
• The company’s success inspired other industries (like furniture and equipment) to experiment with similar rental and subscription models.

Hyman’s approach didn’t just create a popular service, it sparked a change in consumer habits and encouraged more sustainable choices in fashion.

5. Jennifer Fleiss

Jennifer Fleiss is best known as the co-founder of Rent the Runway, a company that changed the way people think about clothing and ownership. Instead of buying new outfits for every occasion—a very expensive and wasteful habit—Fleiss and her business partner Jennifer Hyman enabled millions to rent high-end clothing for a fraction of the price. This idea didn’t just tap into changing consumer habits; it also nudged the entire fashion industry to rethink its business models.

Here’s how Fleiss and Rent the Runway made their mark:

• They developed a clothing rental subscription model, making designer clothes available to more people.
• Their success encouraged large retailers, like Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s, to launch their own rental services.
• The business inspired new rental startups—not just in clothing but in furniture and even recreational gear.

Fleiss and Hyman started their company without any background in fashion or technology, which made their achievements even more surprising. Gaining the trust of designers and investors was no small feat, and it took real grit and convincing to get people on board.

Rent the Runway let people try something new: looking great and saving money without needing to own every piece of clothing. That small shift meant more options for consumers and less waste for the planet.

In 2017, Fleiss took her innovative approach to new territory, working on digital services in the retail space. But her work with Rent the Runway proved that sometimes, not being an insider is an advantage—especially when you see an opportunity that no one else believes can work.

6. Blake Mycoskie

Blake Mycoskie is best known as the founder of Toms, the company that popularized the "One for One" business model—buy a product, give a product to those in need. His approach to combining business with direct social impact shifted how consumers and companies think about responsibility.

Here’s how Mycoskie’s ideas changed the shoe and retail industry:

• Introduced the "buy one, give one" concept, now adopted across fashion, eyewear, and other consumer goods brands.
• Helped inspire a wave of social enterprises focused on simple, actionable giving embedded in everyday purchases.
• Expanded Toms’ giving beyond shoes, reaching into clean water, safe birth services, and anti-bullying initiatives.

Simple ideas can unlock big change—by making it easy for people to do good, Mycoskie made socially conscious buying a normal part of shopping.

Through Toms and continued advocacy, Mycoskie demonstrated that businesses can pursue profit and purpose together, setting a new standard for industry leaders around the globe.

7. Scott Harrison

Scott Harrison stands out as a purpose-driven entrepreneur who changed the way many people view charity and giving. After working in the nightlife industry, Harrison founded Charity: Water in 2006, focusing on providing access to clean and safe water in developing countries. His approach brought a surprisingly simple yet powerful fundraising model to the nonprofit sector. Instead of relying on big donors or corporate backers, he encouraged everyday people to dedicate their birthdays to raising money for clean water, making giving feel personal and accessible.

He transformed expectations for transparency in the nonprofit world:

• 100% of public donations go directly to water projects, not to overhead costs
• Donors are shown exactly where their money goes using GPS and photography
• Charity: Water communicates progress regularly, building a unique level of trust

In the past decade, Charity: Water has funded thousands of projects and impacted millions of lives. Harrison’s emphasis on storytelling and technology set a new standard for how charities can engage with a global audience. The simplicity and ease of participation—with tools inspired by companies offering almost frictionless philanthropy—have changed the fundraising landscape.

Thanks in part to Scott Harrison’s vision, clean water is no longer seen as an impossible challenge but a problem that can be solved by everyday people working together. His influence continues to inspire a fresh approach to global challenges, where openness and creativity lead the way.

8. Ben Rattray

Ben Rattray is the founder of Change.org, a platform that has reimagined activism by making online petitions simple and accessible to anyone with an internet connection. His idea was straightforward: give people around the world a way to rally support for causes they care about, without needing special resources or connections.

Since its launch, Change.org has allowed hundreds of millions to petition governments, companies, and institutions. Over 265 million people have used the site, helping pass laws, influence business practices, and shape public conversations. The ease of starting or signing a petition means that even small local issues or big global topics can gain attention fast.

Some core ways Change.org reshaped public advocacy include:

• Making activism digital, so anyone can participate from anywhere
• Creating direct lines of communication between the public and decision-makers
• Providing data and insights to organizations on what issues matter most to people

With a few clicks, anyone can take action, join others, and make their voice heard—often leading to real-world results that would have been much harder to achieve a decade ago.

Rattray’s platform shows that real change doesn’t have to be loud or disruptive; it can be powered by the quiet force of collected signatures. In a world where people often feel unheard, Change.org gives them the tools to speak out—and be counted.

9. Mark Cuban

Mark Cuban is best known as the outspoken owner of the Dallas Mavericks and a lead investor on the show "Shark Tank," but his impact runs much deeper in the business world. Over the last decade, Cuban has made big moves across technology, healthcare, sports, and entertainment, reshaping how these industries operate.

Here are a few ways Cuban’s approach stands out:

• He invests in hundreds of startups, often focusing on technology and companies changing traditional industries.
• Cuban has pushed for greater use of data and analytics in sports, making the Mavericks one of the NBA’s most forward-thinking teams.
• He frequently advocates for lower-cost healthcare and transparency, supporting tech-driven platforms that cut out the middleman.

Cuban’s varied career shows how curiosity and a willingness to challenge the status quo can have a broad influence—even outside your home industry. He remains a recognizable example of how being open to new ideas and willing to take calculated risks can lead to lasting change.

10. Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, played a major part in transforming not just the tech industry but how people all over the world interact with technology. When he returned to Apple in 1997, the company was near bankruptcy. Under his guidance, Apple launched a string of breakthrough products:

• iPod: Changed how people listened to music, putting thousands of songs in your pocket.
• iPhone: Totally changed the landscape of mobile phones, leading to the era of smartphones.
• iPad: Turned tablets from a niche gadget into a household staple.

It’s no exaggeration to say that Jobs’ work shifted the focus of tech companies everywhere, prioritizing user experience, design, and simplicity over raw technical features. Apple became a cultural phenomenon with people lining up for hours (sometimes days!) just to be among the first to own a new device—a loyalty few brands enjoy.

Here’s a look at Apple’s financial growth during Jobs’ second tenure:

While Jobs passed away in 2011, his approach to innovation and product simplicity still influences Apple—and the whole tech world—years later. Even fields outside of tech, such as design and marketing, credit his ideas for raising the bar, echoing strategies taught at top schools with strong industry ties like the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Steve Jobs’ impact is clear: he turned a struggling computer maker into the world’s most valuable company, changed how we think about personal devices, and set new standards for what great products should look and feel like.

Conclusion

Looking back at these ten entrepreneurs, it’s clear that changing an industry takes more than just a good idea. Each person on this list brought something different to the table—some took big risks, others focused on helping their communities, and a few managed to do both. Their stories show that success can come from many directions, whether it’s through technology, social change, or simply finding a better way to do something old. As we move into a new decade, these examples remind us that there’s always room for new ideas and bold moves. The next wave of entrepreneurs will likely look just as different and surprising as the last, and that’s what keeps business exciting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How were these entrepreneurs chosen for the list?

These entrepreneurs were picked because they changed their industries in big ways over the last ten years. We looked for people who showed boldness, creativity, and a drive to make things better, not just those who got rich or famous.

What makes an entrepreneur stand out in their field?

Entrepreneurs stand out when they bring new ideas, take risks, and solve problems no one else has fixed. They also inspire others and sometimes help their communities or the world, not just their own businesses.

Can anyone become a successful entrepreneur?

Yes, anyone can try to be an entrepreneur. You don’t need to be rich or famous to start. What matters most is having a good idea, working hard, and not giving up when things get tough.

Why is social responsibility important for entrepreneurs?

Social responsibility means caring about more than just making money. Entrepreneurs who help others or protect the environment can make a bigger, positive impact and often build stronger businesses.

Do all entrepreneurs have to invent something new?

No, not all entrepreneurs invent new things. Some improve what already exists or find better ways to do things. Innovation can be about making small changes that help people.

How have these entrepreneurs inspired others?

These entrepreneurs have inspired others by showing what’s possible with hard work, big dreams, and fresh ideas. Many have also helped other new business owners by sharing advice or creating opportunities for them.

Peyman Khosravani

Peyman Khosravani is a global blockchain and digital transformation expert with a passion for marketing, futuristic ideas, analytics insights, startup businesses, and effective communications. He has extensive experience in blockchain and DeFi projects and is committed to using technology to bring justice and fairness to society and promote freedom. Peyman has worked with international organizations to improve digital transformation strategies and data-gathering strategies that help identify customer touchpoints and sources of data that tell the story of what is happening. With his expertise in blockchain, digital transformation, marketing, analytics insights, startup businesses, and effective communications, Peyman is dedicated to helping businesses succeed in the digital age. He believes that technology can be used as a tool for positive change in the world.