Alex Miningham, 29

From a young age, Alex Miningham was an entrepreneur. As a kid, he’d sell lemonade with his brother. In high school, he started a car audio company. In grad school at Florida State, he started a software company with his professor.

He’s also become an expert in pivoting and adapting technology to meet a business need. The software company he started in grad school was a resource for graduate students to connect with Fortune 500 companies. A year and a half into development, he realized there was a bigger need for data compilation to help schools stay in touch with alumni. “So we pivoted and went in that direction.” It was a good move — Miningham’s company was acquired by HEPdata Inc. in 2012.