A surprising figure was shared at the end of today’s episode of NPR’s The Indicator from Planet Money: the average age of founders at the top startups is 45.

45!

In the abstract of the forthcoming report, “Age and High-Growth Entrepreneurship,” the researchers say:

“…we study startups systematically in the United States and find that successful entrepreneurs are middle-aged, not young.”

The study finds that age actually improves a startups likelihood of high growth. Even in the tech sector. The researchers write:

“Prior experience in the specific industry predicts much greater rates of entrepreneurial success.”

So if you’re thinking you can’t start a new venture because you’re too old, you now have one less excuse!