UPDATE: In a stunning move, 14-year-old Alby Churven has gone viral for his application to Y Combinator, raising eyebrows and sparking conversations about youth entrepreneurship. The Wollongong, Australia native founded Clovr, a front-end vibecoding startup, and his innovative approach has caught the attention of the tech world.
Churven’s Y Combinator application video, posted on X on November 10, 2025, showcased his unique style, which he admits deviated from the norm. “I didn’t actually read the instructions when I did it, but I guess that’s what made it pretty viral,” he stated. His application has ignited debates about the challenges and opportunities faced by young entrepreneurs.
The young founder expressed that starting a company at such a tender age comes with both advantages and challenges. “The benefits of starting young is that you don’t have as much pressure on you financially, so you can just build things,” he told Business Insider. However, he also acknowledged that his youth sometimes limits his perceived legitimacy in the industry.
Churven’s entrepreneurial journey began at just 12 years old when he launched an e-commerce grip socks brand named Alpha Grips, which ultimately failed. Yet, this initial setback sparked his passion for business. He noted that many young entrepreneurs today are drawn to e-commerce ventures due to the allure of quick success often portrayed on social media.
Churven’s breakthrough came after he reached out to established entrepreneur Frank Greeff, who advised him to start “building in public” on social media. This advice led to his current project, Clovr, and fueled his ambition to connect with like-minded individuals across the globe. “I’m in the US right now, and I’ve been meeting with a lot of really cool people,” he shared.
The recent social media ban for Australians under 16 poses a new obstacle for Churven. Despite the ban, he remains focused on leveraging his age to form valuable connections and learn as much as possible. “I think my advantage being a teenage entrepreneur is I’ve got time,” he commented, emphasizing his commitment to gaining experience.
As Churven navigates the startup landscape, he faces the reality of funding challenges. “All the things I’m building are bootstrapped, because it’s impossible to raise funding when you’re young,” he explained. His ambition to apply for grants instead of giving away equity reflects a strategic approach to growth.
With his sights set on the future, Churven is determined to gain experience and make an impact. “I do think grants are a really good opportunity. You won’t raise nearly as much, but you’re not giving away any equity,” he stated, revealing his cautious yet optimistic outlook on his entrepreneurial journey.
As the tech industry buzzes with excitement over Churven’s viral application, many are left wondering what his next move will be. His story serves as a reminder of the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship and the potential of the younger generation to disrupt traditional business models.
Stay tuned for more updates on Alby Churven and his journey as he continues to challenge the norms of entrepreneurship.
