30 Under 30: Shot Blockers

Taking aim at gun violence with the Forbes 30 Under 30, in 30 words or less.

Taking aim at gun violence, in 30 words or less.

Vy Tran 27 FOUNDER, WONDER HOODIE

Tran makes stylish hoodies and jackets that protect against a .44 Magnum or knife slashing. 2020 sales were $5.8 million. Next up: bullet-resistant pants.

Benjamin Ziomek 29

COFOUNDER AND CTO, ACTUATE

New York–based Actuate sells $50 AI software that enables cameras to detect handguns and rifles. Since 2018 it’s served 900 schools and the U.S. Army. Its 2020 sales: $2.5 million.

Bruno Faviero 28 COFOUNDER AND COO, SYNAPSE TECHNOLOGY

Simanta Gautam 25 COFOUNDER AND CTO, SYNAPSE TECHNOLOGY

Their AI upgrades X-ray machines to better identify weapons. First-gen immigrants from Brazil and Nepal have $6 million in venture funding for their Bay Area startup.

Robert Davis 30

COFOUNDER AND COO, ASPETTO

For those special occasions when a bulletproof hoodie just won’t cut it, Aspetto (2020 sales: $9 million) has you covered with bullet-resistant formalwear. Think U.S. Border Patrol and the Air Force.