UPDATE: In a remarkable twist of events, 14-year-old Alby Churven’s application to Y Combinator has gone viral, capturing attention on social media platform X. Churven, the founder of Clovr, a front-end vibecoding startup, shared his journey after submitting an unconventional video application on November 10, 2025.
Churven revealed to Business Insider that his youth provides a unique “wow factor,” making his application stand out. However, he also faces skepticism about his legitimacy as a young entrepreneur. “People might not take you seriously if you’re really trying to pursue something,” he explained.
The young founder hails from Wollongong, Australia, and credits his early ventures for sparking his interest in business, stating, “I started an e-commerce grip socks brand called Alpha Grips when I was just 12.” Despite its failure, this experience ignited his passion for entrepreneurship.
Churven’s initial idea for his current startup, Finkel, stemmed from a cold email he sent to prominent founder Frank Greeff, who encouraged him to build in public. Social media has played a crucial role in his journey, showcasing how platforms can foster innovation among young creators.
His Y Combinator application video, which he admits strayed from typical guidelines by incorporating heavy editing, is part of what led to its viral status. “I didn’t read the instructions, but I guess that’s what made it pretty viral,” Churven said.
However, there’s an urgent drawback to his rising fame: a new social media ban in Australia for individuals under 16 threatens his ability to connect with potential collaborators and mentors. “I don’t agree with it, but it is what it is,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of social media for young entrepreneurs.
Churven expresses optimism about his future, stating, “My goal right now is to build as many things as possible and learn as much as possible.” He believes that starting young offers an advantage with less financial pressure, allowing him to focus on creativity and innovation without the burden of immediate returns.
Despite the advantages, Churven acknowledges the challenges he faces as a young entrepreneur. He has found it difficult to secure funding for his projects, relying on bootstrapping and applying to various accelerators. “I had a very low expectation for Y Combinator. I got an interview about my other startup, Clovr, but then I got rejected,” he shared.
Looking ahead, Churven is keen on gaining experience and plans to capitalize on grants, seeing them as an opportunity to develop his ventures without giving away equity, which he deems risky at a young age. “I think giving away equity young is not a good decision,” he warned.
As he continues to navigate the startup landscape, Churven remains focused on building connections and learning from others in the industry. “When you’re young, you can utilize your age to make a lot of connections. It’s more rare,” he noted.
Churven’s journey serves as an inspiring example of how young entrepreneurs can leverage their age and creativity to pursue ambitious goals, despite the hurdles they face. The startup community is watching closely as he continues to develop Clovr and seek new opportunities.
This story is rapidly evolving, and Churven’s experience highlights the shifting dynamics of entrepreneurship in today’s digital landscape. Stay tuned for more updates on this young founder’s journey as he navigates the challenges and triumphs of building a startup at such a young age.
