15 Types of Entrepreneurs You’ll Encounter in Every Industry

15 Types of Entrepreneurs You Should Know About

Entrepreneurship is an exciting journey. The idea of building something meaningful and making money is the ultimate dream for many people. However, entrepreneurship isn’t a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Entrepreneurs come in various shapes, sizes, and mindsets. The path to success doesn’t look the same for everyone, and there are many different ways to approach being your own boss. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, understanding the types of entrepreneurs can help you find the path that suits you best. Let’s dive into the 15 types of entrepreneurs you should know.

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1. The Wantrepreneur

When you first think about the term “entrepreneur,” it might sound like someone who is fully invested in building a business, taking risks, and chasing profits. But there’s a group that fits a different definition—the “wantrepreneurs.” A wantrepreneur is someone who loves the idea of entrepreneurship but never actually takes the leap. They dream of starting a business, but when it comes time to act, they find excuses. They’re the ones who constantly talk about their next big idea but never follow through. Every business journey starts with a single step into the unknown, and unfortunately, many of these individuals stay stuck in the planning phase forever.

Wantrepreneurs are fascinated by the glamorous lifestyle associated with entrepreneurship: the freedom, the respect, and the success. But when push comes to shove, they lack the courage to take that crucial first step. It’s important to remember that everyone starts as a wantrepreneur, but the defining trait of a true entrepreneur is the ability to take action. Moving from planning to execution is what sets the dreamers apart from the doers.

2. The Side Hustler

Entrepreneurship doesn’t have to mean risking everything, and that’s where the side hustler comes in. Side hustlers are regular employees with a passion for entrepreneurship, but they aren’t ready to quit their full-time jobs just yet. They have day jobs like accountants, teachers, or customer service reps, but they work on their side business at night. These side hustlers juggle multiple responsibilities while growing something outside their day job. They often start small, but the key is that their side hustle can turn into something massive.

A great example of this is Mark Zuckerberg, who built Facebook while still in college. Even if Facebook had never taken off, he already had a successful career ahead of him. Side hustlers can build businesses without taking on the risk of quitting their regular jobs. The beauty of side hustling is that it allows for growth while providing financial stability, allowing entrepreneurs to transition at their own pace.

3. The Corporate Renegade

The corporate renegade is the person who can’t stand the 9-to-5 grind anymore. They’re done with the endless meetings, the lack of autonomy, and the structured corporate environment. These entrepreneurs have had enough of the corporate world and are willing to take the risk of leaving their steady job to follow their entrepreneurial dreams. The corporate renegade is someone who chooses freedom over security, often quitting their job without a backup plan. For them, the idea of working in a cubicle or answering to a boss is no longer worth it.

This type of entrepreneur is driven by a desire for freedom and self-determination. The risk they take might be terrifying for most people, but for them, it fuels their motivation to succeed. They’re in survival mode, and there’s no turning back. This all-in mentality is what defines the corporate renegade. Their journey isn’t for the faint-hearted, but for those with the courage to jump in, the rewards can be substantial.

4. The Solopreneur

Solopreneurs are the lone wolves of the entrepreneurial world. These individuals build businesses by themselves, taking on every role within their company. From being the CEO to handling marketing, accounting, and customer service, solopreneurs wear all the hats. They are freelancers, digital nomads, and independent consultants who master a few skills and turn them into a profitable business. The beauty of solopreneurship is that it offers the flexibility and independence to live life on their terms.

While the solopreneur path can be exhausting, the rewards are great. It’s not about building the next Google; it’s about having control over your time and future. Solopreneurs aren’t interested in growing massive companies; they want to live life on their own terms. Whether they’re working from home or enjoying a tropical beach, solopreneurs prove that you don’t need a big team to be successful. The right strategy and mindset are all you need to thrive.

5. The Lifestyle Entrepreneur

Unlike many entrepreneurs who focus on maximizing profits, lifestyle entrepreneurs prioritize freedom and the life they want to live. They build their businesses around their ideal lifestyle, not the other way around. For lifestyle entrepreneurs, it’s not about making the most money possible—it’s about creating a business that funds their passions, whether that’s traveling the world, spending more time with family, or pursuing a hobby. Their work is deeply tied to their personal lifestyle and often reflects their passions.

For example, a lifestyle entrepreneur who loves biking might run a bike shop or offer biking tours. If they’re passionate about books, they might start a bookstore. These entrepreneurs align their work with what they love most, making their business an extension of themselves. However, don’t be fooled—while the lifestyle entrepreneur’s business aligns with their passions, it still requires hard work. It’s about working smart and ensuring that your business creates the freedom to live the life you want.

6. The Serial Entrepreneur

A serial entrepreneur is someone who can’t help but build businesses. They thrive on the thrill of creating something new. For them, business is not just a job; it’s a way of life. Take Elon Musk, for instance. After co-founding PayPal and making millions, he didn’t stop there. Instead, he went on to create Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and The Boring Company. For serial entrepreneurs, starting a business is an addiction—they are always looking for the next big idea.

Serial entrepreneurs love the challenge of building and scaling companies. It’s not just about making money—it’s about solving problems, creating something from nothing, and finding innovative solutions to real-world issues. These entrepreneurs don’t get bored; they are constantly motivated by new opportunities. Business is a game for them, and the real thrill comes from the process of creating, scaling, and growing.

7. The Investorpreneur

Investorpreneurs are entrepreneurs who use their wealth to invest in other people’s businesses. They are similar to serial entrepreneurs, but instead of building businesses themselves, they identify opportunities and invest in them. This type of entrepreneur includes angel investors, venture capitalists, and other value investors. Think of someone like Mark Cuban, who made his fortune through tech and media and now invests in other companies through his role on Shark Tank.

To succeed as an investorpreneur, you need to have a good eye for potential and know where to put your money. Investorpreneurs excel at spotting disruptive products, untapped markets, and exceptional teams. They use their capital to help businesses grow, and if they make the right choices, they stand to make huge returns on their investments. While this type of entrepreneur doesn’t build businesses from the ground up, their influence and ability to scale other companies can be just as powerful.

8. The Real Estate Entrepreneur

Real estate entrepreneurs see property as a pathway to wealth. While most people buy homes to live in and sell them when they’re older, real estate entrepreneurs approach property from a business perspective. They invest in properties with the goal of generating income or increasing their value over time. Take Barbara Corcoran, for example, who started with a small loan and built a multi-million-dollar real estate empire in New York City.

Real estate entrepreneurship is all about strategy. It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme, but a long-term game of buying, selling, flipping, and renting properties to maximize returns. Successful real estate entrepreneurs have a knack for timing and making smart investments. By strategically building a real estate portfolio, they can create lasting wealth and a legacy. The key is understanding the market, making informed decisions, and continuously building upon your successes.

9. The Tech Disruptor

Tech entrepreneurs are often the dreamers and innovators who aim to change the world through technology. Being a tech entrepreneur is undoubtedly one of the riskiest paths to take. The tech industry is fiercely competitive, and for every successful company like Uber or Airbnb, there are thousands of failed ideas. However, the reward for those who make it is monumental. Tech disruptors like Steve Jobs, who revolutionized personal computing with Apple, leave behind a lasting legacy.

Tech disruptors are driven by the desire to solve big problems and create something that changes the way we live and work. They take on significant risk to build the next breakthrough technology, and even if they fail, their efforts can still have a huge impact. The challenge is immense, but for those who succeed, the rewards are more than just financial—they are about shaping the future.

10. The Traditional Business Owner

While it’s easy to get caught up in the hype of tech startups and Silicon Valley, traditional business owners play a critical role in the economy. These entrepreneurs might run local cafes, hardware stores, or even plumbing services, but they are the backbone of communities. They provide essential services, create jobs, and connect people. Traditional business owners may not make the headlines, but their impact is immeasurable.

Some of the biggest names in business started with simple ideas. Sam Walton, for example, started Walmart with just one store. Over decades, he grew it into one of the largest businesses in the world. Traditional business owners prove that you don’t need to have the next big tech idea to make an impact. Sometimes, all it takes is a simple idea and a lot of dedication to make a difference in your community and beyond.

11. The Green Entrepreneur

Green entrepreneurs focus on creating businesses that are environmentally friendly and sustainable. They prioritize eco-conscious products, services, and business models that minimize harm to the planet. Green entrepreneurs aren’t just about making money—they’re about making a difference by promoting sustainability. From renewable energy solutions to eco-friendly packaging, green entrepreneurs are working to solve environmental problems while building profitable businesses.

One well-known example of a green entrepreneur is Elon Musk, who, through companies like Tesla and SolarCity, has revolutionized the clean energy sector. Green entrepreneurship is becoming increasingly popular as consumers and businesses alike become more aware of their environmental impact. For green entrepreneurs, success lies in finding innovative solutions to environmental challenges that are not only profitable but also good for the planet.

Social entrepreneurs are driven by a desire to create positive social change rather than just generate profits. These individuals build businesses with a focus on solving societal problems, from poverty and inequality to education and healthcare. A social entrepreneur’s success isn’t measured just by financial outcomes but also by the social impact they create.

Take Blake Mycoskie, the founder of TOMS Shoes. He created a company where for every pair of shoes sold, a pair was donated to someone in need. Social entrepreneurs aim to balance the drive for profit with the desire to improve the world around them. Their businesses often focus on sustainability, fairness, and social good, and they find innovative ways to address critical issues while remaining profitable.

13. The Product-Based Entrepreneur

Product-based entrepreneurs create businesses by developing physical goods and products to sell. Whether it’s clothing, gadgets, or innovative tech devices, these entrepreneurs focus on bringing something new into the world. They may build their own brands from scratch or work within established markets to provide improved or unique products.

An example of a product-based entrepreneur is James Dyson, the founder of Dyson, who revolutionized vacuum cleaners and hand dryers. These entrepreneurs invest a great deal of time and resources into designing, manufacturing, and marketing their products. For them, success is driven by product innovation and a deep understanding of customer needs. It’s about solving a problem through a physical product and then scaling it into a business that can be sold to the masses.

14. The Franchisee Entrepreneur

Franchise entrepreneurs are individuals who invest in existing brands and systems. They buy the rights to operate a franchise, which gives them access to a proven business model, branding, and operational support. This type of entrepreneur doesn’t have to worry about creating something from scratch—they simply follow the guidelines of an established franchise.

McDonald’s, Subway, and Dunkin’ are all examples of popular franchises that allow entrepreneurs to buy into their successful business models. Franchise entrepreneurs benefit from the brand recognition and operational systems that come with an established franchise. While there’s less risk compared to starting a business from the ground up, the franchisee still needs to be a strong operator and manage the business effectively to ensure profitability.

15. The Tech Startup Entrepreneur

Tech startup entrepreneurs focus on creating disruptive technology that could change industries, from app development to artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain. Unlike traditional tech companies, startups are often about rapid innovation, scaling quickly, and achieving exponential growth. This type of entrepreneur is driven by big ideas and is willing to take enormous risks to see their vision come to life.

Tech startup entrepreneurs often rely on venture capital and angel investors to fund their ideas. Think of founders like Bill Gates (Microsoft), Steve Jobs (Apple), or Larry Page and Sergey Brin (Google). They started with a small team and an innovative idea, and through determination and hard work, they transformed the tech world. Tech startup entrepreneurs are constantly looking to solve complex problems with innovative solutions, often working in high-growth environments where failure and success go hand-in-hand.

In conclusion, the world of entrepreneurship is rich with diversity, and each type of entrepreneur brings something unique to the table. Whether you identify with one of these 15 types or combine aspects of several, what matters most is your commitment to solving problems, creating value, and working tirelessly toward your goals. There’s no single “right” way to be an entrepreneur, but understanding the different approaches can help you align your business model with your passions and aspirations. The entrepreneurial journey is yours to define, and by choosing the path that best suits your strengths, you can make an impact in the way that matters most to you.