Early Life And Education

Peter Thiel: Venture Capitalist, PayPal Co-Founder, and Political Activist

Early Life and Education

Peter Andreas Thiel (born October 11, 1967) is a German-American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and political activist. Born in Frankfurt am Main, West Germany, Thiel immigrated to the United States with his family at age 12. He studied philosophy at Stanford University and received his law degree from Stanford Law School.

Career

Thiel co-founded PayPal in 1998, which was acquired by eBay in 2002. He later founded Founders Fund, a venture capital firm that has invested in companies such as Facebook, SpaceX, and Airbnb.

Political Activism

Thiel has been involved in politics, supporting Republican candidates and causes. He was an early supporter of Donald Trump's presidential campaign and has donated to various conservative organizations.

Controversies

Thiel has been a controversial figure, both in business and politics. His outspoken views and support for controversial ideas have drawn criticism from some.

Publications

Thiel has written a number of books, including "Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future" and "The PayPal Mafia: How PayPal Pioneers Conquered Silicon Valley and the World."

Personal Life

Thiel is openly gay and lives with his partner, Matt Danzeisen, in San Francisco. He is a close associate of venture capitalist Marc Andreessen and other members of the so-called "PayPal Mafia."

Legacy

Peter Thiel is a prominent figure in the tech industry and political circles. His contributions to venture capital and his involvement in public discourse have made him a notable individual in contemporary society.