Peter Thiel is a prominent American entrepreneur and venture capitalist, born on October 11, 1967, in Frankfurt, West Germany. He holds citizenship in both the United States and New Zealand.
Career Highlights:
- PayPal: Thiel co-founded PayPal in 1998, serving as its CEO and leading the company to its public offering.
- Palantir Technologies: In 2003, he co-founded Palantir, a data analysis company, and has served as chairman since its inception.
- Facebook Investment: Thiel was the first outside investor in Facebook, acquiring a 10.2% stake for $500,000 in 2004.
- Founders Fund: He is a partner at Founders Fund, a venture capital firm that has invested in companies like SpaceX and Airbnb.
Political and Social Views:
Thiel is known for his conservative libertarian views and has been an active supporter of right-wing political figures and causes. In 2016, he notably funded lawsuits that led to the bankruptcy of Gawker Media. More recently, he has been involved in discussions about the intersection of technology and Christianity, advocating for a religious perspective in business and innovation.
Recent Developments:
Thiel’s influence extends beyond business; he has been associated with the “Palantir Mafia,” a group of former employees who have gone on to establish successful startups across various sectors. Additionally, his perspectives on economic trends, including warnings about potential real estate market challenges, have garnered attention.
As of March 2025, Thiel’s estimated net worth is $16.2 billion, placing him among the world’s wealthiest individuals.