But not all successful founders are young. Morris Chang, who helped make Taiwan a big player in the tech world, started his company at 55. It’s now worth $700 billion. And Chang isn’t alone. A study found that the most successful entrepreneurs are often middle-aged.

Researchers looked at data from millions of company founders and found that the average age of those who started the most successful tech companies was 45. A 50-year-old is almost twice as likely to start a super successful company as a 30-year-old. A 60-year-old is three times more likely to succeed than a 30-year-old.

Another study found that the average age of entrepreneurs who start a company and hire at least one employee is 42. This makes sense because while ideas are important, making them happen is what counts—and it’s harder to do that without enough experience.

Leadership experience is also key. You might have a great idea, but without the skills to turn a group of people into a team, you might fail. Young entrepreneurs often have big ideas, like Bill Gates' dream of "a computer on every desk and in every home" or Jeff Bezos' "everything store." Lin-Manuel Miranda was 28 when he started working on "Hamilton," the first big hip-hop musical. These people didn’t have all the skills at first, but they learned them over time.

Older entrepreneurs often build on skills they’ve gained. Chang worked his way up in a big company. Ray Kroc held various jobs before buying McDonald's at 52. Sam Walton’s experience helped him start Wal-Mart in small towns instead of big cities.

Colonel Sanders started KFC in his 60s. Vera Wang began her fashion career at 40 after working in other fields. Rodney Dangerfield became a famous comedian in his 40s after working as a salesman.

These people are examples of what some call "masters"—people who may not have been great early in life but got really good over time. They peak later in life because they’ve learned the skills they need to succeed. Older entrepreneurs often have better problem-solving skills, as they’ve encountered and overcome various challenges throughout their careers. They have stronger networks, allowing them to reach out to experienced contacts for advice, partnerships, and resources. Financial management is another area where older entrepreneurs excel, having learned how to budget, invest, and manage cash flow effectively. Moreover, their leadership skills are more refined, enabling them to build and guide teams more efficiently.

Even in tech fields, which we often think are for young people, the difference between using technology and creating it is huge. If you’re in your 40s like Sam Walton and want to start a business, go for it. If you’re in your 50s like Ray Kroc or your 60s like Colonel Sanders, now is a great time to use your experience and skills.

While ideas matter, making them happen matters more. Research shows that age isn’t a disadvantage; your experience, skills, connections, and knowledge are what will make you successful. Use these strengths, and you’ll be on your way to success.

Ready to start your business? Don’t wait any longer! Whether you’re in your 40s, 50s, or 60s, now is the perfect time to use your experience and skills. Start today and turn your ideas into reality. You’ve got this!