Australia's Young Entrepreneurs: The Glamorous Ventures of Mega-Rich Parents

Australia’s new wave of glossy entrepreneurs may look like overnight successes.

But in the background of the Insta-famous brands run by the likes of the Geminders and the Bonds are family fortunes built in far less glamorous ways.

While we don’t suggest these young business visionaries owe their success solely to rich parents or spouses, it certainly helps to come from a packaging empire or be the scion of a home loan king.

Kicking off our list is Emma Pillemer, daughter of high-profile fund manager Russel Pillemer. He’s the co-founder of Pengana, one of Sydney’s most powerful investment firms, alongside former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull.

Emma, a graduate of the prestigious $45,000-per-year Moriah College, hasn’t followed her father into finance, instead launching the edgy yet affordable jewellery brand Emma Pills, which is beloved by Gen Z shoppers.

From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail’s new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop.

Emma Pillemer, daughter of high-profile Sydney fund manager Russel Pillemer, is the founder of edgy yet affordable jewellery brand Emma Pills, which is beloved by Gen Z shoppers

Emma launched the label at the age of 19, choosing to invest ‘several thousand’ dollars she had set aside for her gap year into the fledgling company.

Her parents matched the amount. As Emma previously revealed, they were ‘very happy for me not to go partying in Europe and put it towards a business’.

Within three months, her jewellery was being stocked in The Iconic, making her the youngest designer to feature on the website.

And then there are Olivia and Kate Bond – the entrepreneurial sisters-in-law who married into the wealthy Bond dynasty.

Olivia, a speech pathologist-turned-gemologist who owns a luxury diamond atelier, is married to Jeremy Bond, a fund manager and grandson of late magnate Alan Bond.

In 2013, shortly after marrying Jeremy, she launched Olivia Bond Diamonds, a business known for its exclusive design service and high-end clientele.

Kate, the wife of Jeremy’s brother Banjo Bond, is the owner of Bond Street, a luxury sleepwear brand designed to be worn from night to day.

She had been married to property executive Banjo for four years before launching Bond Street in 2021.

Emma launched the label at the age of 19, choosing to invest ‘several thousand’ dollars she had set aside for her gap year into the fledgling company. Her parents matched the amount

Olivia Bond (pictured), a speech pathologist-turned-gemologist who owns a luxury diamond atelier, is married to Jeremy Bond, a fund manager and grandson of late magnate Alan Bond

Kate Bond (pictured), who also married into the Bond family, is the owner of Bond Street, a luxury sleepwear brand designed to be worn from night to day

Olivia has previously stated that her wealthy in-laws did not finance her business, and we’re not suggesting otherwise. Kate hasn’t commented either way, but for any entrepreneur, knowing there’s family wealth to fall back on would certainly be reassuring.

Also carving out their own path are sisters Georgia and Bella Geminder – granddaughters of late packaging magnate Richard Pratt and daughters of Raphael and Fiona Geminder.

Georgia launched her dental product brand, Gem, in 2021, introducing a range of non-chemical oral care products to the market.

The brand has since expanded its range to include deodorants and other personal care items.

Speaking to the Australian Financial Review, the heiress said she only had ‘minimal’ financial backing from her billionaire parents when launching Gem.

Instead, she invested her own savings from working as a model to get the company off the ground.

Georgia’s sister Bella, also a model, launched her skincare line Strange Luxury in 2024, offering minimalist, vegan products designed to simplify routines without compromising on luxury.

Next up is Deborah Symond O’Neil, founder of luxury athleisure retailer Mode Sportif.

Also carving out their own path are sisters Georgia and Bella Geminder – granddaughters of late packaging magnate Richard Pratt and daughters of Raphael and Fiona Geminder

Georgia (pictured with parents Fiona and Raphael) launched her dental product brand Gem in 2021, bringing a range of non-chemical oral care products to the market

Deborah Symond O’Neil, the daughter of Aussie Home Loans founder John Symond, runs the luxury athleisure retailer Mode Sportif

Deborah is the daughter of Aussie Home Loans founder John Symond, who has an estimated net worth of $832million.

She is married to Ned O’Neil, the son of superyacht broker and Rose Bay Marina owner Denis O’Neil.

She launched Mode Sportif as an online store in 2014, offering a curated selection of international and local designers.

The brand expanded into bricks-and-mortar retail, with its first concept store opening in Sydney’s Paddington in 2016, followed by a flagship boutique in Double Bay.

Deborah’s sister-in-law Poppy Tzaneros also makes our list.

The only daughter of Denis O’Neil, Poppy chose a career in interior design with the support of her mother Charlotte, establishing her company POCO Designs.

Poppy is also married to Anthony Tzaneros, the heir to the ACFS Port Logistics freight empire, one of Australia’s largest privately owned freight companies.

Deborah’s sister-in-law Poppy Tzaneros, the daughter of Denis O’Neil, has chosen a career in interior design with the help of her mother Charlotte. (She is pictured with husband Anthony)

Katelin Gregg (pictured), co-founder of members-only skincare clinic Fayshell, also comes from quite an affluent background

Jaimee Lupton (left) turned a luxury PR background into a powerhouse empire with Monday Haircare, selling out supermarkets and launching viral bottles in millennial pink. Her partner Nick Mowbray (right), is the billionaire co-founder of the toy giant ZURU

Elsewhere, Michael Porter (pictured) heir to the Four Seasons condom dynasty, has found success with the launch of his popular acne care brand Skin Control

Also joining our list is Stephanie Onisforou (pictured), the daughter of millionaire Sydney property investor and retail tycoon Theo Onisforou and his ex-wife Heidi

Katelin Gregg, co-founder of members- only skincare clinic Fayshell, also has a privileged background.

Her father Rob Gregg is the founder of medical supply firm Mondeal Aesthetics, a leading distributor of aesthetic medical and skincare products.

Katelin recently made headlines after it was reported she and Fayshell co-founder Ella James had parted ways.

Jaimee Lupton is the beauty founder who turned a luxury PR background into a powerhouse empire with Monday Haircare, selling out supermarkets and launching viral bottles in millennial pink.

Her partner Nick Mowbray is the billionaire co-founder of the toy giant ZURU.

While Jaimee built her own brand after working in public relations, having someone like Nick by her side would no doubt have given her access to the capital, scale and connections most business founders could only dream of.

Elsewhere, Michael Porter, heir to the Four Seasons condom dynasty, has found success with the launch of his popular acne care brand Skin Control.

He co-founded the brand with his father Graham Porter, with Skin Control forming part of a larger family business, Australian Therapeutic Supplies.

‘My father [and co-founder] Graham has been a major supporter and advocate helping me on this journey,’ Michael told GQ Australia.

‘He’s always believed in my vision for the brand and has helped guide me to ensure I stay on track.’

Also joining our list is Stephanie Onisforou, the daughter of millionaire Sydney property investor and retail tycoon Theo Onisforou and his ex-wife Heidi.

The young entrepreneur opened Café de la Fontaine in Potts Point after Theo purchased Andersen’s Ice Cream store and gave her the keys.