The founding director of PPLparty.com because...

• What started as a hobby funded with a little pocket money in 2005 (when he was 15) has recently been backed by UK angel investors Votivation on the back of the online social network "revolution". Calum Brannan's business, PPLparty.com, has 320,000 users, comprising people mainly between the ages of 18 and 24 who like to go out clubbing but still want a forum to discuss social issues. "It's fun getting friends onto your own creation," says Brannan, "and I'm still learning every day."

• Brannan was keen to retain the low-cost, easy-to-use ethos of social networks. "When I started there were a few networks that charged premium rates for their service—16-year-olds can't afford that—so PPLparty is free. I'm not competing with Bebo or Facebook because ours is a niche market—it's about clubbing and politics."

• He cut his teeth with some industry icons by seeking out relevant work experience. "Last summer I worked with Doug Richard at his [text messaging] business Hotxt. It was fantastic to be part of a growing team, part of a real business. It was also useful working with the chief technical officer, who was previously head of Yahoo! Europe. But I decided it was time to concentrate on my own business."

• He hasn't let his youth hinder his ambition, but admits it's been an issue for others. "It's been tricky at times," says Brannan. "I've put proposals forward to all sorts of businesses and I'm probably a bit of a change from most directors. But I've got experience and seek good advice. My commercial director is the ex-head of sales at Orange. Staying in touch with the speed of a growing business is more of a challenge."

• He has a healthy approach to finance. "I've never gone into debt, I've always been in profit [through partnership deals with Yahoo!, Channel 4's Popworld, and Hotxt]. I own 95 per cent of the business and we've got nice numbers for a small firm. I don't think it will ever go completely wrong—if you fail, it's all good experience. I'm always looking for the next challenge."

• His vision is assured. "We're going to take the brand into the offline stream—onto mobile phones and into clubs. By 2010 I hope to have five million users. I intend to keep the big boys guessing. There'll probably be some interesting offers on the table, and I can't wait to be really big. But the future will take a lot of thinking about—I think British 'dotcommers' are selling themselves short."