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 an American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and political activist known for co-founding PayPal, Palantir Technologies, and Founders Fund. He was also the first outside investor in Facebook. As of March 2025, his net worth is estimated at $16.2 billion, ranking him among the wealthiest individuals globally.

Sections (4)

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

October 1967: Peter Thiel's Birth

On October 1967, Peter Thiel was born in Frankfurt am Main, West Germany.

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1977: Thiel Family Settled in Foster City

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

1985: Thiel Graduated as Valedictorian

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

1987: Thiel Co-founded The Stanford Review

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

1989: Thiel Graduated from Stanford University

In 1989, Peter Thiel graduated from Stanford University and maintained his relationship with The Stanford Review thereafter.

1992: Thiel Earned Juris Doctor Degree

In 1992, Peter Thiel earned his juris doctor degree from Stanford Law School.

1996: Thiel Returned to California

Peter Thiel returned to California in 1996.

2003: Thiel's last chess competition

In 2003 Peter Thiel participated for the last time in a chess competition, although he stills holds the title of Life Master.

September 2010: Thiel Creates Thiel Fellowship

On 29 September 2010, Peter Thiel established the Thiel Fellowship, which annually awards $100,000 to 20 individuals under 23 years old to encourage them to forgo college and pursue their entrepreneurial ventures.

August 2011: Thiel Obtains New Zealand Citizenship

In August 2011, Peter Thiel received New Zealand citizenship in a private ceremony, despite not meeting the typical residency requirements, raising questions about the criteria for citizenship.

2011: Thiel Describes Religious Beliefs

As of 2011, Peter Thiel described his religious beliefs as "somewhat heterodox," affirming his belief in Christianity without feeling a strong need to proselytize. Thiel also participated in Veritas Forum events discussing religion, politics, and technology with N. T. Wright.

2011: Thiel Granted New Zealand Citizenship

In 2011, Peter Thiel was controversially granted New Zealand citizenship after the Fifth National Government intervened on his behalf, despite spending only 12 non-consecutive days in the country.

2011: Thiel's Contributions and New Zealand Citizenship Application

In 2011, Peter Thiel's New Zealand citizenship application cited his economic contributions, including founding a venture capital fund and investing $7 million in local companies, as well as a $1 million donation to the Christchurch earthquake appeal fund.

2012: Thiel Teaches Startup Course at Stanford

In spring 2012, Peter Thiel taught the class CS 183: Startup at Stanford University, sharing his insights on building successful companies.

September 2014: Zero to One Book Released

In September 2014, the book "Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future" by Peter Thiel and Blake Masters was released, based on notes from Thiel's Stanford course.

Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future

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2014: Thiel Expresses Interest in Anti-Aging Research and Cryonic Preservation

At the Venture Alpha West 2014 conference, Peter Thiel stated his desire to make progress in anti-aging research. Thiel also mentioned that he is registered for cryonic preservation with the Alcor Life Extension Foundation, in hopes of future revival.

2015: Thiel Purchases Estate in New Zealand

In 2015, Peter Thiel purchased a 193-hectare estate near Wānaka, New Zealand, classified as "sensitive land", without requiring permission due to his citizenship.

November 2016: Thiel Makes Ceremonial First Move at World Chess Championship

On 30 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, recognizing his connection to the game.

2016: Thiel Funded Hulk Hogan's Lawsuit Against Gawker

In 2016, Peter Thiel confirmed that he had funded Hulk Hogan in the Bollea v. Gawker lawsuit because Gawker had previously outed Thiel as gay. The lawsuit eventually bankrupted Gawker and led to founder Nick Denton's bankruptcy.

October 2017: Thiel Marries Matt Danzeisen

In October 2017, Peter Thiel married his long-time partner, Matt Danzeisen, in Vienna, Austria. Matt Danzeisen is a portfolio manager at Thiel Capital.

2017: Thiel's New Zealand Citizenship Made Public

In 2017, Peter Thiel's New Zealand citizenship, obtained in 2011, became public, leading to scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding its acquisition and the potential influence of his connections.