John Imah | He Sold 2 Tech Companies At 16… Now His AI Company Is Worth $1.5 Billion

John Imah | He Sold 2 Tech Companies At 16… Now His AI Company Is Worth $1.5 Billion

Author: The School of Hard Knocks June 27, 2026 Duration: 1:02:40

John Imah is the founder of SpreeAI, a fashion technology company valued at $1.5 billion, and the youngest millionaire in School of Hard Knocks history after selling two tech companies before age 16.

In this episode, John shares his journey from growing up poor in an immigrant family to working at Samsung, Twitch, Meta, and Snapchat before returning to entrepreneurship.

He breaks down building AI for fashion, attracting elite talent, selling into major brands, overcoming bullying, losing his mother, and using faith, discipline, and execution to build a lasting company.

Do you want more options, shorter, more intense, or more viral versions?


Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.


There's a certain kind of wisdom you can't get from a textbook, forged instead in the unpredictable fires of real-world experience. The School of Hard Knocks Podcast is built on that principle, offering a front-row seat to unfiltered conversations with some of the most accomplished entrepreneurs and visionary creators from across the globe. Each episode moves beyond polished success stories to dig into the gritty, often unspoken challenges these individuals faced on their journeys. You'll hear about the pivotal failures that became turning points, the difficult decisions made under pressure, and the personal philosophies that guide them through uncertainty. This isn't about theoretical business models; it's a deep dive into the resilience, adaptability, and raw determination required to build something meaningful. Brought to you by The School of Hard Knocks, this podcast serves as an ongoing masterclass in navigating the complexities of modern creation and enterprise. Tune in for authentic dialogues that reveal the human effort behind the headlines, providing not just inspiration but tangible insights you can apply to your own path.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

School of Hard Knocks Podcast
Podcast Episodes