Peter Thiel Biography: Peter Andreas Thiel born October 11, 1967 is an American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and political activist. He co-founded PayPal, Palantir Technologies, and Founders Fund, and was the first outside investor in Facebook. As of May 2025, Forbes estimated his net worth at $20.8 billion, ranking him as the 103rd-richest person in the world.
Peter Thiel Biography
Peter Thiel, born on October 11, 1967, in Frankfurt am Main, Hesse, Germany, is a producer best known for his involvement in Thank You for Smoking (2005), The Story of Everything, and appearances on CNBC Squawk Box (1995). In a 2009 commentary, Thiel expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of democratic processes in advancing libertarian ideals.
Peter Thiel Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
Peter Andreas Thiel
11 October 1967 Frankfurt, West Germany
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| Education | Stanford University (BA, JD) |
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| Political party | Republican |
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Matt Danzeisen
(m. 2017) |
| Category | Politician Biography |
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About Peter Thiel
Peter Andreas Thiel is an American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and political activist. A co-founder of PayPal, Palantir Technologies, and Founders Fund, he was the first outside investor in Facebook.
Peter Thiel Achievements
After getting his degree from Stanford University, Thiel began his career clerking for Judge James Larry Edmondson. He went on to work as a securities lawyer at Sullivan & Cromwell, a speechwriter for former U.S. Secretary of Education William Bennett, and a derivatives trader at Credit Suisse. In 1996, he founded Thiel Capital Management and, two years later, co-founded PayPal with Max Levchin and Luke Nosek.
Peter Thiel Personal Life
He stated that since 1920, the rise in welfare recipients and the expansion of voting rights—including to women, a demographic he views as generally unsympathetic to libertarian policies—have made the concept of “capitalist democracy” increasingly contradictory. However, Thiel clarified that he does not support disenfranchising any group. He acknowledged that while revoking voting rights would be both unacceptable and ineffective.
Peter Thiel Wiki
- Born: 11 October 1967 (age 57 years), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Net worth: 2,100 crores USD (2025) Forbes
- Spouse: Matt Danzeisen (m. 2017)
- Organizations founded: Palantir Technologies, PayPal ·
- Education: Stanford Law School (1992), Stanford University (1989), San Mateo High School
- Nationality: American, German, New Zealand
Early Life and Education
Peter Thiel was born on October 11, 1967, in Frankfurt am Main, then part of West Germany, to Klaus Friedrich Thiel and Susanne Thiel. When he was just one year old, his family emigrated to the United States, settling initially in Cleveland, Ohio, where his father worked as a chemical engineer. Due to Klaus Thiel’s career in the mining industry, the family moved frequently, resulting in a nomadic upbringing for Peter and his younger brother, Patrick Michael Thiel. While Thiel’s mother later became a U.S. citizen, his father did not. Peter Thiel eventually obtained U.S. citizenship himself.
Before the family settled in Foster City, California, in 1977, they lived in various countries including South Africa and South West Africa (now Namibia). During this period, Peter changed elementary schools seven times. He briefly attended a German-language school in Swakopmund that enforced strict discipline, including corporal punishment such as striking students’ hands with rulers.
Peter Thiel Quick Facts
- Full Name: Peter Andreas Thiel
- Date of Birth: October 11, 1967
- Place of Birth: Frankfurt am Main, West Germany
- Nationalities: American (naturalized), New Zealander (since 2011)
Professional Journey and Major Accomplishments
Thiel began his career as a securities lawyer at Sullivan & Cromwell and later worked as a derivatives trader at Credit Suisse. In 1996, he launched Thiel Capital Management, his first step into the venture capital world. he co-founded Confinity, which would evolve into PayPal, revolutionizing online payments. As CEO, he led the company through its IPO in 2002 and its subsequent $1.5 billion acquisition by eBay.
Following PayPal’s sale, Thiel launched Clarium Capital, a global macro hedge fund. In 2004, he co-founded Palantir Technologies, a powerful data analytics company that serves both commercial enterprises and government agencies. That same year, he made a pivotal $500,000 investment in Facebook, becoming its first outside investor and later joining its board.
Investments and Business Ventures
Thiel has built an extensive investment portfolio, including early stakes in tech giants like LinkedIn, Yelp, and SpaceX. He co-founded Founders Fund in 2005, backing successful startups such as Airbnb and Stripe. In 2010, he launched Valar Ventures to focus on international markets, and in 2012, he co-founded Mithril Capital to invest in later-stage growth companies. As of November 2024, Thiel’s estimated net worth stands at $15 billion, placing him 149th on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
Personal Life
Thiel married Matt Danzeisen, a portfolio manager at Thiel Capital. The couple lives in Los Angeles and maintains properties in both the U.S. and New Zealand. Thiel is also known for his notable art collection and his support for innovative startups.
Interesting Facts
- Thiel was a nationally ranked chess player in his youth.
- He co-authored The Diversity Myth in 1995, critiquing political correctness in higher education.
- He is a strong advocate for seasteading—creating autonomous communities at sea.
Philanthropy and Legacy
Through the Thiel Foundation, he supports breakthrough technologies and social entrepreneurship. The foundation’s initiatives include the Thiel Fellowship, which awards $100,000 to young people who choose to pursue ambitious projects instead of attending college.
Influence and Vision
Thiel remains a major force in the tech industry, known for championing unconventional ideas and disruptive innovation. His investments and philosophical viewpoints continue to shape the direction of Silicon Valley and global entrepreneurship.
What is Peter Thiel’s net worth 2025?
Peter Thiel, a German-born American entrepreneur, hedge fund manager, and venture capitalist, has an estimated net worth of 2,100 crores USD. He first gained major financial success as a co-founder of PayPal. His wealth grew significantly in 2004 when he became the first outside investor in what was then called TheFaceBook.com. Thiel invested $500,000 in the company—founded by Mark Zuckerberg, who was on a break from his sophomore year at Harvard—in exchange for a 10.2% stake. This early investment proved extremely lucrative.
FAQs
What is Peter Thiel’s net worth?
Peter Thiel’s net worth is estimated at 2,100 crores USD, placing him among the wealthiest tech investors globally. His wealth stems largely from his roles in PayPal, Palantir Technologies, and early investments in major tech firms like Facebook and SpaceX.
How old is Peter Thiel?
Peter Thiel was born on October 11, 1967, which makes him 57 years old as of 2025.
What is Peter Thiel known for in the tech industry?
Peter Thiel is widely recognized for co-founding PayPal and Palantir Technologies, as well as being the first outside investor in Facebook. He has played a pivotal role in shaping Silicon Valley’s venture capital landscape.
Has Peter Thiel been involved in filmmaking or media?
Yes, Peter Thiel has been credited as a producer on films such as Thank You for Smoking and The Story of Everything. He has also appeared on television programs like CNBC Squawk Box.
What are Peter Thiel’s political views?
Peter Thiel is known for his libertarian-leaning political views and has expressed skepticism about the compatibility of democracy with capitalist ideals. He has critiqued modern political systems for failing to support innovation and individual freedom.
Is Peter Thiel involved in philanthropy?
Yes, Peter Thiel runs the Thiel Foundation, which funds science, technology, and social innovation projects. One of its best-known initiatives is the Thiel Fellowship, which supports young people in pursuing entrepreneurial paths outside of traditional education.