Forbes Recognizes Imanbek on Their Distinguished List

Hangin' with the Young Guns: Forbes' Top 30 Under 30 European Edition

Forbes has dropped its 2025 edition of the 30 Under 30 Europe list, showcasing a fresh batch of trailblazers and innovators under the age of 30. This year's honorees include Lola Young, AURORA, and Grian Chatten from Fontaines D.C., recognized for their contributions to music and cultural innovation.

While the spotlight isn't shining as brightly on Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan this time around, the broader context paints a picture: the 30 Under 30 list scouts candidates across Europe, but focuses specifically on those under 30, leaving a few gaps in direct mentions for the specified countries.

Take, for example, Russia's top e-commerce platform, Wildberries, led by Tatyana Kim, who, though over the age limit, demonstrates the region's vibrant entrepreneurial scene. The 30 Under 30 list, however, zeroes in on youthful dynamism and disruption, like the recent growth of Russia's billionaire cohort (146 individuals, according to Forbes' global rich list) or the emphasis on innovation and cultural impact this year, highlighted through platforms like TikTok and socially conscious artistry.

The 2025 edition of the 30 Under 30 list reflects these trends by emphasizing bold ideas and resilience in its honorees, such as Young and AURORA, demonstrating that youth has the power to shake things up and make an impact.

From the longlist of 100 nominees, the jury and readers chose the top 30 – three laureates were included in each category. The reader's vote accounted for 30% of the final decision, with the remaining criteria based on age (no older than 30), recognition within the professional community, and personal competitiveness at the Russian or global level.

The revamped list spans across 10 categories: "entrepreneurship," "finance and investments," "management," "sports and esports," "science and technology," "art," "music," "social practices," "fashion and design," and "new media." The honorees for the music category include Slava Marlow and Varvara Shmykova, while Vova Perkin and Ksenia Sereeda dominated the "Art" category.

The winners in the "Entrepreneurs" category include Alexei Beliankin, Darya Kroshkinskaya, and Arthur Zelyony. This year's list plans to make waves and inspire a new generation of change-makers, floating the idea that age and geography won't hold them back when bold ideas and resilience are on their side.

Despite Kazakhstani candidates not being specifically highlighted this year on the Forbes' 30 Under 30 Europe list, the promising categories like entertainment and music offer potential for recognition in future editions.
Forbes' 2025 edition of the 30 Under 30 list compiles a diverse range of young and innovative talents from across Europe, including musicians like the Kazakhstani AURORA.
As the 30 Under 30 list continues to expand its focus on youthful dynamism and innovation, there's a growing expectation for future editions to include groundbreaking talents such as Kazakhstani music artists, who have the potential to make an impact in their respective fields.
The upcoming editions of the Forbes' 30 Under 30 list could present exciting opportunities for Kazakhstani artists and entrepreneurs to showcase their work in the music and other promising categories, bridging the gap between the European and Central Asian markets.