Early Life and Education of Peter Thiel: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Peter Thiel, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Peter Thiel is a German-American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and conservative political activist. He co-founded PayPal, Palantir Technologies, and Founders Fund. He was also Facebook's first outside investor. As of late 2025, his net worth was estimated at $27.5 billion, making him one of the world's wealthiest individuals.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

October 1967: Peter Thiel's Birth

In October 1967, Peter Andreas Thiel was born in Frankfurt am Main, Hesse, West Germany, to Klaus Friedrich Thiel and Susanne Thiel.

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1971: Family moved to South Africa

In 1971, Peter Thiel's family moved to South Africa.

1977: Family moved back to the US

In 1977, Peter Thiel's family moved back to the US.

1977: Settled in Foster City, California

In 1977, the Thiel family settled in Foster City, California, after living in South Africa and South West Africa.

1985: Valedictorian of his class

In 1985, Peter Thiel was the valedictorian of his graduating class at San Mateo High School.

1987: Co-founded The Stanford Review

In 1987, Peter Thiel co-founded The Stanford Review, a conservative and libertarian newspaper, at Stanford University.

1989: Graduated from Stanford and ended term as editor

In 1989, Peter Thiel graduated from Stanford University and ended his term as editor-in-chief of The Stanford Review.

1992: Graduated from Stanford Law School

In 1992, Peter Thiel graduated from Stanford Law School with a Juris Doctor degree.

1996: Returned to California

In 1996, Peter Thiel returned to California.

2003: Thiel stops competing in chess

In 2003, Peter Thiel stopped competing in chess, citing that it created an alternate reality that made him lose sight of the real world.

2007: Gawker Article Outing Thiel

In 2007, Gawker published an article publicly outing Peter Thiel with the headline "Peter Thiel is totally gay, people."

August 2011: Thiel receives New Zealand citizenship

In August 2011, Peter Thiel received New Zealand citizenship in a private ceremony in Santa Monica, California, after visiting the country for a total of 12 days. The normal residency requirement was waived under an "exceptional circumstances" clause.

2011: Thiel describes his religious beliefs

In 2011, Peter Thiel described his religious beliefs as "somewhat heterodox," affirming his belief in Christianity while not feeling the need to convince others and stating that identity is found in Christ.

2011: Founded Thiel Capital and granted New Zealand citizenship

In 2011, Peter Thiel founded Thiel Capital and was granted New Zealand citizenship.

2012: Thiel teaches the class CS 183: Startup at Stanford University

In spring 2012, Peter Thiel taught the class CS 183: Startup at Stanford University.

2015: Thiel purchases estate in New Zealand

In 2015, Peter Thiel purchased a 193-hectare estate near Wānaka, New Zealand. As he was already a citizen, he did not require permission as a foreign buyer.

May 2016: Thiel Finances Lawsuits Against Gawker

In May 2016, Peter Thiel confirmed that he had paid $10 million in legal expenses to finance lawsuits against Gawker Media, including the Hulk Hogan case.

August 2016: Gawker Closes Due to Lawsuit

In August 2016, Gawker announced it was permanently closing due to the lawsuit financed by Peter Thiel, with Terry Bollea being awarded $140 million.

November 2016: Thiel makes ceremonial first move at World Chess Championship

In November 2016, Peter Thiel made the ceremonial first move in the first tiebreak game of the World Chess Championship 2016 between Sergey Karjakin and Magnus Carlsen.

2016: Thiel apologizes for statements in The Diversity Myth

In 2016, Peter Thiel apologized for two statements involving the rape crisis movement and date rape that he made in the book "The Diversity Myth".

2017: Thiel's New Zealand citizenship status made public

In 2017, Peter Thiel's New Zealand citizenship status, which he had obtained in August 2011, was made public.

February 2022: Thiel Leaves Meta Board to Support Pro-Trump Candidates

In February 2022, Peter Thiel announced his departure from the board of Meta (Facebook's owner) after 17 years, aiming to support pro-Donald Trump candidates in the 2022 United States elections.

2022: Satirical song about Thiel released

In 2022, after Thiel hired Sebastian Kurz, Jan Böhmermann of the ZDF wrote and performed the satirical song "Right time to Thiel" that portrayed Thiel as a James Bond villain.

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2022: Invasion of Ukraine

Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

September 2025: Thiel gives off-the-record lectures on Antichrist, Armageddon and Apocalypse

In September 2025, Peter Thiel gave a series of off-the-record private lectures organized by the Acts 17 Collective in San Francisco, about the Antichrist, Armageddon and Apocalypse. These lectures drew protesters and covered Thiel's views on various apocalyptic threats, including a total one-world government as closer to the Antichrist.