The renowned entrepreneur and venture capitalist Peter Thiel is still changing the tech and financial world. With a projected net worth of $20.5 billion as of 2025, he is one of the most powerful investors in the world. However, how did he create such a vast empire, and what keeps him rich?
Peter Thiel: Biography & Financial Profile
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Peter Andreas Thiel |
| Date of Birth | October 11, 1967 |
| Age | 57 years (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | German-American |
| Profession | Investor, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist |
| Companies Founded | PayPal, Palantir, Founders Fund |
| Notable Investments | Facebook, Stripe, SpaceX |
| Net Worth | $20.5 Billion (2025) |
| Spouse | Matt Danzeisen (m. 2017) |
| Education | Stanford University (BA, JD) |
| Residence | Los Angeles, California |
| @peterthiel |
How to Become a Billionaire
Thiel, who was born in 1967 in Frankfurt, Germany, came to the United States as a youngster and went on to attend Stanford University and Stanford Law School. He first studied law and finance before realizing that the tech industry was his true calling. He created digital payments and paved the way for a financial revolution by co-founding PayPal.
PayPal: The Starting Point for Billions of
When Thiel, Max Levchin, and Elon Musk co-founded PayPal in 1998, his path to enormous wealth began. Due to the company’s revolutionary impact on online transactions, eBay acquired it in 2002 for $1.5 billion. Thiel made $60 million from his 3.7% investment in PayPal, which would soon grow in value.
Facebook: A Generation’s Defining Investment
Thiel’s initial investment in Facebook is considered one of his most renowned actions. He gave Mark Zuckerberg a $500,000 angel investment in 2004 in return for a 10.2% share in the massive social media company. Thiel solidified his reputation as a digital genius by cashing out more than $1 billion when Facebook went public in 2012.
The Confidential Data Giant Fueling His Fortune
In addition to Facebook and PayPal, Thiel was a co-founder of Palantir Technologies, a data analytics company with strong government connections. Thiel’s 71 million shares are worth more than $5.3 billion as of 2025, when the company went public in 2020. His financial empire has been largely driven by his talent for spotting businesses that have the potential to change the game.
The Finance World Was Shocked at the Roth IRA Loophole
Through legally clever stock purchases, Thiel’s Roth IRA grew to $5 billion, according to a 2021 ProPublica investigation. Despite the criticism, he demonstrated his financial savvy by securing tax-free growth by purchasing PayPal shares at a fraction of a cent within his IRA.
The Growing Empire of Investments: SpaceX, Stripe, and Others
Thiel has invested in some of the largest tech success stories, including as Stripe, SpaceX, Airbnb, and LinkedIn, through the Founders Fund. In addition to increasing his wealth, his ability to identify high-growth firms early on has influenced the direction of the tech sector.
Public Influence and Political Power
Thiel is a well-known political fundraiser and strategist in addition to being an investor. In addition to his well-known endorsement of Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign, he has consistently contributed to conservative causes and ideas. His political views have generated debate, but they haven’t stopped him from making money.
Giving and the Thiel Foundation’s Innovative Method
In the field of philanthropy, Thiel has also created waves. His Thiel Fellowship encourages young entrepreneurs to forgo college and launch enterprises by giving them grants of $100,000. He also contributes significantly to scientific advancement, artificial intelligence, and life extension studies.
What Will Happen to Peter Thiel Next?
Thiel is still a major player in politics, business, and technology as of 2025. His fortune is anticipated to increase with more investments in biotech, AI, and space exploration. Whether you agree with him or disagree, Peter Thiel has unquestionably influenced the current financial and technology environment.
FAQs
1. What is Peter Thiel’s net worth?
As of 2025, Peter Thiel’s estimated net worth is $20.5 billion.
2. How did Peter Thiel make his fortune?
Thiel built his wealth through PayPal, early investments in Facebook, Palantir, and venture capital.
3. Is Peter Thiel still involved with Facebook?
No, he sold most of his shares in 2012 and left Facebook’s board in 2022.
4. What companies does Peter Thiel own?
Thiel is involved in Founders Fund, Palantir, and multiple tech startups.
5. What is Peter Thiel’s connection to politics?
He is a conservative political donor and backed Donald Trump’s 2016 and 2024 campaigns.