Kim Wileman Cites 4 Reasons to Start a Business in Your 50s

1 articles · Updated · Fast Company · Jun 2

Kim Wileman argues founders in their 50s can start from a stronger position, drawing on her experience cofounding No Makeup Makeup after 30 years in beauty.
Four advantages anchor her case: deep industry relationships, costly mistakes already absorbed, steadier leadership shaped by experience, and market context built across multiple business cycles.
That network, she writes, speeds hiring and vendor decisions because trust and performance are already known, while experience helps founders judge which risks are worth taking.
Wileman says the goal is not necessarily a $100 million unicorn built at 26, but a durable company with strong products, loyal customers and a committed team.