The Rise of Whop: How Steven Schwartz Built a Marketplace for Digital Entrepreneurs

Teenage entrepreneur Steven Schwartz, along with his co-founders Cameron Zoub and Jack Sharkey, has turned his passion for sneakers into a successful digital marketplace for entrepreneurs called Whop. What started as a quest for limited-edition sneakers has now evolved into a platform valued at a quarter of a billion dollars, processing $400 million in transactions annually.

Schwartz, now in his mid-20s, has had at least 22 side hustles before finding success with Whop. He believes that the younger generation, particularly Gen Z, is more inclined towards entrepreneurship than traditional career paths. With the rise of remote work during the pandemic, more people are looking to start their own businesses and pursue their passions.

Whop has not only attracted remote freelancers but also investors like Peter Thiel and Tinder co-founder Justin Mateen. With $18 million raised in its latest funding round, Whop aims to help 1 million people make sustainable income each month within the next five years.

Despite the focus on online entrepreneurship, Schwartz values human interaction and has created a vibrant workspace for Whop’s 50-strong workforce in Brooklyn. He believes that a well-designed office space can enhance productivity and create a positive work environment.

With big ambitions for the future, Schwartz envisions a world where everyone can make money online through platforms like Whop. His journey from a teenage sneaker enthusiast to a successful entrepreneur serves as an inspiration for those looking to start their own businesses.