While other CEOs freeze entry-level roles, this AI founder is hiring Gen Z with zero experience

In a world where many employers are cutting back on hiring entry-level graduates due to the rise of AI, one AI-driven company is taking a bold step in the opposite direction. Alon Chen, the founder and CEO of Tastewise, a generative AI platform that works with major food and beverage companies like PepsiCo, Nestlé, and Mars, is actively hiring Gen Zers with no experience or degree requirements. This move comes as surveys reveal that 38% of bosses plan to hire fewer graduates this year, citing AI's ability to perform tasks more cheaply and efficiently.

Chen, an ex-Google executive who became the CMO at the company at just 28, has a unique perspective on the value of unconventional talent. He believes that younger workers, particularly those from Gen Z, are uniquely positioned to thrive in the rapidly evolving job landscape shaped by AI. "There are some positions where you actually want people that do not have the prejudice or the old way of working," Chen told Fortune. "Because it's just not relevant anymore."

The explosion of new tools, job functions, and ways of working, driven by AI, has created a fresh set of opportunities that traditional experience may not fully prepare individuals for. Chen argues that Gen Zers, who have grown up in this new realm of possibilities, bring a fresh perspective and a lack of boundaries that can be invaluable. "I'm hiring entry-level because they have no boundaries or limitations in how they think about the world," he explained. "They're almost like AI natives themselves, having been born and raised in this new realm of opportunities. And I see some of the best ideas coming from the younger generation that have not yet been in the job market."

Chen's approach to hiring is not without precedent. At just 15, he had already started his own business, selling computers to small and medium-sized businesses in Israel. His journey continued when he became the CMO at Google at 28, without a marketing degree. He later left to found Tastewise, which has raised $71.6 million and now works with more than half of the Fortune 100 food and beverage companies.

In an era where AI is transforming industries at a rapid pace, Chen's belief is that traditional experience is no longer the sole currency of success. As the rules of the game continue to shift, he is betting on the innovative thinking and adaptability of younger workers to drive his company forward. This bold hiring strategy not only addresses the challenges faced by Gen Z in the job market but also reflects a broader trend of companies recognizing the value of fresh perspectives in an AI-driven world.

While many employers are hesitant to invest in unproven talent, Chen's success story demonstrates that unconventional approaches can yield remarkable results. By prioritizing adaptability and a forward-thinking mindset, Tastewise is poised to leverage the unique strengths of Gen Z in shaping the future of AI and beyond. In a world where experience may no longer be the key to success, Chen's vision represents a new frontier for both employers and job seekers alike.