Peter Thiel

$30.07 B

Ranked #70 in World

About Peter Thiel

Peter Andreas Thiel, a German-American billionaire entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and political activist, has made significant contributions to the finance industry. As a co-founder of PayPal, Palantir Technologies, and Founders Fund, Thiel has had a profound impact on the technology sector. With an estimated net worth of $9.7 billion as of June 2023, he is ranked 213th on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Thiel has also been involved in various philanthropic endeavors through the Thiel Foundation, supporting causes such as artificial intelligence research, life extension, and seasteading. Furthermore, he has shown support for political activism, conservative gay rights causes, and political candidates across different parties. Thiel's achievements and contributions have garnered him numerous awards and honors in the field. His published works, including "The Diversity Myth" and "Zero to One: Notes on Startups," have been well-received by finance readers and entrepreneurs alike.

Born

October 11, 1967 in Frankfurt, West Germany

Age

58 years

Source Of Wealth

Facebook, Investments

Industries

Finance & Investments

Citizenship

United States

Residence

Los Angeles, California

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Science, Stanford University; Doctor of Jurisprudence, Stanford University

Spouse

Matt Danzeisen (Married: 2017)

Peter Andreas Thiel was born on 11 October 1967 in Frankfurt am Main, West Germany. His family migrated to the United States when he was just one year old and settled in Cleveland, Ohio, where his father worked as a chemical engineer. Thiel attended local schools and developed a passion for chess, becoming a strong junior player and earning the title of Life Master.

Peter Thiel: Family

Thiel is married to Matt Danzeisen, whom he wed in 2017. Prior to this, he was in a long-term relationship with Jeff Thomas until Thomas's passing in 2023.

Peter Thiel: Career Highlights

Thiel's career is marked by a series of groundbreaking ventures and achievements. He co-founded PayPal with Max Levchin and Luke Nosek in 1998, serving as its CEO until its acquisition by eBay in 2002 for $1.5 billion. He also co-founded Palantir Technologies, a big data analysis company, in 2003 and has served as its chairman since its inception. Additionally, Thiel co-founded Founders Fund with PayPal partners Ken Howery and Luke Nosek in 2005 and became Facebook's first outside investor in 2004, acquiring a 10.2% stake for $500,000.

Peter Thiel: Companies

Thiel has been involved in the establishment and growth of several notable companies. These include PayPal, Palantir Technologies, Founders Fund, Clarium Capital, Valar Ventures, and Mithril Capital. He has also served as a part-time partner at Y Combinator and is actively involved in the Thiel Foundation, which governs grant-making bodies such as Breakout Labs and Thiel Fellowship.

Peter Thiel: Major Achievements

Thiel's major achievements include co-founding PayPal, which revolutionized online payments, and establishing Palantir Technologies, a leading big data analysis company. He is also recognized for his early investment in Facebook, which proved to be highly lucrative. Additionally, Thiel has made significant contributions to the fields of artificial intelligence, life extension, and seasteading through his philanthropic efforts.

Peter Thiel: Awards & Achievements

Thiel has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Herman Lay Award for Entrepreneurship and the TechCrunch Crunchie Award.

He is also the author of several books, including "The Diversity Myth," "Zero to One: Notes on Startups," and a chapter in Tim Ferriss' self-help book "Tools of Titans."

Peter Thiel: Personal Life & Legacy

Thiel is known for his libertarian political views and his support for conservative causes. He has been involved in political activism and has made significant contributions to various political candidates and organizations. Thiel's philanthropic activities are primarily carried out through the Thiel Foundation, which focuses on research in artificial intelligence, life extension, and seasteading. He is also a strong supporter of the Committee to Protect Journalists and the Human Rights Foundation.

Peter Thiel: Trivia

Thiel obtained New Zealand citizenship in 2011 despite not meeting the typical residency requirements. His application cited economic contributions and a donation to the Christchurch earthquake appeal fund. This raised concerns about the potential for buying New Zealand passports. Additionally, Thiel used a Roth IRA to invest in PayPal, resulting in a substantial increase in wealth, which he can withdraw tax-free after turning 60 in 2027.

Wealth History

Timeline

October 11, 1967

Peter Thiel is born in Frankfurt am Main, West Germany.

1968

Thiel's family migrates to the United States.

1987

Thiel co-founds The Stanford Review, a conservative and libertarian newspaper, while attending Stanford University.

1992

Thiel earns his Juris Doctor degree from Stanford Law School.

1993

Thiel works as a securities lawyer for Sullivan & Cromwell in New York.

1996

Thiel leaves Sullivan & Cromwell and returns to California to seek a more meaningful occupation.

1996

Thiel founds Thiel Capital Management.

1998

Thiel co-founds PayPal with Max Levchin and Luke Nosek.

2002

PayPal is sold to eBay for $1.5 billion. Thiel serves as PayPal's CEO until the sale.

2003

Thiel founds Clarium Capital, a global macro hedge fund.

2003

Thiel launches Palantir Technologies, a big data analysis company.

2004

Thiel becomes Facebook's first outside investor with a 10.2% stake for $500,000.

2005

Thiel co-founds Founders Fund with PayPal partners Ken Howery and Luke Nosek.

2007

Thiel endorses Ron Paul for President.

2009

Thiel publishes an essay expressing skepticism about the compatibility of freedom and democracy.

2010

Thiel supports Meg Whitman in her unsuccessful bid for the governorship of California.

2010

Thiel invites Ann Coulter to Homocon 2010 as a guest speaker.

2011

Thiel obtains New Zealand citizenship despite not meeting typical residency requirements.

2012

Thiel sells the majority of his shares in Facebook for over $1 billion.

2012

Thiel makes a $1 million donation to the Club for Growth.

2012

Thiel backs the Endorse Liberty Super PAC to promote Ron Paul.

2012

Thiel contributes to the Mitt Romney/Paul Ryan presidential ticket.

2015

Thiel serves as a part-time partner at Y Combinator.

2016

Thiel confirms that he funded Hulk Hogan in the Bollea v. Gawker lawsuit.

2016

Thiel makes the ceremonial first move in the first tiebreak game of the World Chess Championship.

2017

Thiel marries Matt Danzeisen.

2017

Thiel serves as a part-time partner at Y Combinator.

2023

Thiel's long-term partner, Jeff Thomas, passes away.

2027

Thiel turns 60 and can withdraw funds from his Roth IRA tax-free.

Peter Thiel : FAQs

What is Peter Thiel's current net worth?

Peter Thiel's current net worth is $30.07 billion.

What is Peter Thiel's current global rank among billionaires?

Peter Thiel holds the 70th position globally among billionaires.

What is Peter Thiel's current ranking within the United States?

Peter Thiel holds the 35th position in United States.

What was the change in Peter Thiel's net worth compared to the previous year?

Peter Thiel's net worth increased by 3.91 billion dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 26.16 billion dollars.

What is the recent change in Peter Thiel's net worth?

Peter Thiel's net worth decreased by 301.82 million dollars recently, a 1% decrease, with his net worth standing at 30.07 billion dollars.

What are Peter Thiel's main sources of wealth?

Peter Thiel's main source of income comes from Facebook, Investments.

In which industry does Peter Thiel primarily operate?

Peter Thiel is primarily involved in the Finance & Investments industry.

What is Peter Thiel educational background?

Peter Thiel holds a Bachelor of Arts/Science from Stanford University and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Stanford University.

How old is Peter Thiel?

Peter Thiel is 58 years old.

How many children does Peter Thiel have?

Peter Thiel has 1 children.

Who is Peter Andreas Thiel?

Peter Andreas Thiel is a German-American billionaire entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and political activist. He is the co-founder of PayPal, Palantir Technologies, and Founders Fund, and was the first outside investor in Facebook. As of June 2023, his estimated net worth is $9.7 billion, and he is ranked 213th on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

What are Peter Thiel's political views and activities?

Peter Thiel describes himself as a conservative libertarian and supports national conservatism. He criticizes economically liberal attitudes towards free trade and big tech. Thiel has published books and essays that question political correctness, multiculturalism, and the compatibility of freedom and democracy. He has also expressed concerns about the power of large tech companies and has been a member of the Steering Committee of the Bilderberg Group.

What are some of Peter Thiel's philanthropic activities?

Peter Thiel carries out most of his philanthropic activities through the Thiel Foundation. He funds research into artificial intelligence, life extension, and seasteading. He also supports causes such as the Committee to Protect Journalists, the Human Rights Foundation, and donated to the Christchurch earthquake appeal fund.

What is Peter Thiel's career background?

Peter Thiel worked as a securities lawyer and derivatives trader before founding his own investment firms, including Thiel Capital Management and Clarium Capital. He co-founded PayPal and served as its CEO until its sale in 2002. He also co-founded Palantir Technologies and Founders Fund. Additionally, he has been involved with various other ventures and serves on the board of directors for Facebook.

What are some notable achievements and contributions of Peter Thiel?

Peter Thiel has received awards and honors for entrepreneurship, including the Herman Lay Award and the TechCrunch Crunchie Award. He has co-authored books, including 'The Diversity Myth' and 'Zero to One: Notes on Startups.' Thiel has also made media appearances, commenting on CNBC, PBS, and other outlets. He has been portrayed in the film 'The Social Network' and served as inspiration for a character in 'Silicon Valley.'