Peter Thiel: Biography, Career, Net Worth, and Personal Life

Peter Thiel Biography: From PayPal CEO to Venture Capitalist

Peter Thiel is a German-American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, political activist, and philanthropist, best known as the co-founder of PayPal and Palantir Technologies. He co-founded PayPal in 1998 with Max Levchin and Luke Nosek and served as its CEO until its acquisition by eBay in 2002 for $1.5 billion.

Born in Frankfurt, West Germany, Thiel moved to the United States with his family as a child. He played a crucial role in shaping Silicon Valley, investing early in Facebook and establishing himself as a leading figure in technology and finance. Thiel is also the author of the book “Zero to One,” which has become influential in startup culture.

Age:

Peter Thiel was born on October 11, 1967, which makes him56 years old as of 2024. His zodiac sign is Libra. In terms of ethnicity, Thiel is of German descent. He holds dual nationality: he was born in Germany and later became a naturalized citizen of the United States.

• Age: 56 years old (as of 2024)
• Zodiac Sign: Libra
• Ethnicity: Caucasian
• Nationality: German-American

Parents and Siblings:

Peter Thiel was born to Klaus Friedrich Thiel and Susanne Thiel in Frankfurt, Germany. When he was just one year old, his family emigrated to the United States and settled in Cleveland, Ohio, where his father worked as a chemical engineer.

Thiel’s family later moved to Foster City, California, where he spent much of his childhood. He attended Stanford University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy in 1989. Thiel then continued his education at Stanford Law School, where he received his Juris Doctor (JD) in 1992.

During his time at Stanford, Thiel co-founded “The Stanford Review,” a conservative-libertarian newspaper, which marked the beginning of his involvement in political and social issues. This early experience in publishing and debate helped shape his future career as an entrepreneur and investor.

Husband:

Peter Thiel is openly gay and is married to Matt Danzeisen. They married in 2017 in Vienna, Austria, in a private ceremony. Peter Thiel and his husband, Matt Danzeisen, have a daughter named Elanor Kristina. However, details about her age and other personal information are not publicly disclosed. The couple prefers to keep their family life private.

Height, Weight, Measurements:

• Height: 6 feet (183 cm)
• Weight: Approximately 182 lbs (83 kg)

Career and Background:

Peter Thiel began his career as a lawyer after graduating from Stanford Law School but soon transitioned into finance and entrepreneurship. He co-founded PayPal in 1998, serving as its CEO until its sale to eBay in 2002.

After PayPal, Thiel founded Palantir Technologies, a big data analysis company. He is also known for his early investment in Facebook, where he was the first outside investor. Thiel is the founder of Clarium Capital, a global macro hedge fund, and Mithril Capital Management, a growth-stage venture firm. Additionally, he has been involved in philanthropy, funding initiatives in science, technology, and libertarian political causes.

Peter Thiel’s motivation to pursue entrepreneurship was driven by several key factors:

1. Desire for Innovation: Thiel has always been passionate about creating something new and transformative. He believes that true progress comes from developing unique and revolutionary ideas rather than copying existing ones. This philosophy is encapsulated in his book, Zero to One, where he emphasizes the importance of innovation and originality in business.
2. Impact on the World: Thiel wanted to make a meaningful impact on the world through technology and innovation. His ventures, such as PayPal and Palantir Technologies, were aimed at solving significant problems and improving the way people live and work.
3. Contrarian Thinking: Thiel’s contrarian mindset has also played a significant role in his entrepreneurial journey. He often challenges conventional wisdom and seeks out opportunities that others might overlook. This approach has led him to invest in groundbreaking companies and ideas.
4. Libertarian Views: Thiel’s libertarian beliefs have influenced his entrepreneurial endeavors. He advocates for minimal government intervention and believes in the power of individual initiative and free markets to drive progress.

PayPal

Peter Thiel co-founded PayPal in 1998 along with Max Levchin and Luke Nosek. Initially, they started a company called Confinity, which was designed to handle payments between Palm Pilots. The following year, Confinity merged with Elon Musk’s X.com, and the combined entity was renamed PayPal.

Thiel served as the CEO of PayPal and played a crucial role in its development and growth. The company’s vision was to create a new internet currency to replace traditional forms of money. PayPal’s success was significantly boosted by its use on eBay, which led to its acquisition by eBay in 2002 for $1.5 billion.

Peter Thiel has been involved in numerous ventures beyond co-founding PayPal. Here are some of the notable ones:

1. Palantir Technologies: Thiel co-founded this big data analytics company in 2003. It focuses on providing software for data analysis to government agencies and large corporations.
2. Founders Fund: In 2005, Thiel co-founded this venture capital firm, which has invested in companies like SpaceX, Airbnb, and Stripe.
3. Facebook: Thiel was the first outside investor in Facebook, acquiring a 10.2% stake in 2004 for $500,000. He sold most of his shares in 2012 but remains on the board of directors.
4. Valar Ventures: Co-founded in 2010, this venture capital firm focuses on investments outside the United States.
5. Mithril Capital Management: Launched in 2012, this growth-stage venture firm targets transformative and long-term investments.
6. Thiel Fellowship: This program, started in 2011, awards $100,000 to young entrepreneurs to leave college and pursue their business ideas.
7. Thiel Foundation: Through this foundation, Thiel supports various initiatives, including Breakout Labs, which funds early-stage scientific research, and the Seasteading Institute, which explores the creation of floating cities.

Net Worth:

As of August 2024, Peter Thiel’s net worth is estimated to be around $8.25 billion. His wealth primarily comes from his successful ventures in technology and investments, including co-founding PayPal, Palantir Technologies, and his early investment in Facebook.

Is Peter Thiel Married?

Yes, Peter Thiel is married. He has been married to Matt Danzeisen since October 2017. They had a private ceremony in Vienna, Austria. Matt Danzeisen is a successful businessman and currently works as a portfolio manager at Thiel Capital.

How did Peter Thiel make his money?

• • PayPal: Thiel co-founded PayPal in 1998 and served as its CEO until its sale to eBay in 2002 for $1.5 billion.
  • Facebook: He was the first outside investor in Facebook, purchasing a 10.2% stake for $500,000 in 2004. He sold most of his shares for over $1 billion in 2012.
  • Palantir Technologies: Thiel co-founded Palantir Technologies in 2003, a company specializing in big data analytics.
  • Founders Fund: He co-founded this venture capital firm in 2005, which has invested in numerous successful startups.

Is Peter Thiel religious?

• • Yes, Peter Thiel identifies as a Christian. He has expressed his faith publicly and has been involved in discussions about the intersection of faith and technology.

What companies has Peter Thiel founded?

• • PayPal: Co-founded in 1998.
  • Palantir Technologies: Co-founded in 2003.
  • Founders Fund: Co-founded in 2005.
  • Clarium Capital: Founded in 2002, a global macro hedge fund.
  • Valar Ventures: Co-founded in 2010.
  • Mithril Capital: Co-founded in 2012.

Who owns Thiel Capital?

• • Thiel Capital is an investment firm founded and owned by Peter Thiel.

How Old Is Peter Thiel?

Peter Thiel is 56 years old (as of 2024). He was born on October 11, 1967.

Where Is Peter Thiel Working At?

Peter Thiel is actively involved in various ventures and continues to work as a venture capitalist. He is the chairman of Palantir Technologies and the managing partner of Founders Fund, a venture capital firm he co-founded. He is also known for his investments in various startups and his philanthropic activities.

Peter Thiel is still very active in the tech industry. He continues to be involved through his venture capital firm, Founders Fund, which invests in various tech startups. Additionally, he remains a significant figure in the industry through his roles and investments in companies like Palantir Technologies and other innovative ventures.

Peter Thiel is known for maintaining a relatively low profile on social media. He does not have a significant presence on platforms like Twitter. Instead, he tends to communicate through his business ventures and public appearances.

If you’re interested in his latest activities or thoughts, you might find updates through news articles, interviews, or his involvement with companies like Palantir Technologies and Founders Fund.