Peter Thiel Backs Ethereum’s Buterin and Supports Trump: 5 Surprising Facts About PayPal and Palantir Co-Founder

Peter Thiel, a well-known figure in the investment world, is commonly recognized as a co-founder of PayPal Holdings and Palantir Technologies Inc. However, there are lesser-known aspects of his life and career that may intrigue investors and enthusiasts. Here are five intriguing facts about this prominent investor and executive.

To begin with, Thiel was the first outside investor in Meta Platforms Inc, formerly known as Facebook. In 2004, he invested $500,000 when the company was valued at $4.9 million. Thiel’s stake in Meta Platforms turned into over $1 billion, showcasing his keen investment acumen.

Thiel’s political affiliations have also garnered attention. He publicly supported Donald Trump in the 2016 election and expressed preference for Trump over Biden in the 2024 election. Despite his past donations and support for Trump, Thiel indicated reduced involvement in the 2024 election cycle.

Thiel’s relationship with Elon Musk, another prominent figure in the tech industry, has seen ups and downs. Both were involved in the early days of PayPal, with Musk eventually becoming CEO before being replaced by a group at Thiel’s behest. Despite past tensions, Thiel has invested in Musk’s ventures like SpaceX and The Boring Company, indicating a positive current relationship.

Another intriguing facet of Thiel’s influence is his role in the creation of Ethereum. Vitalik Buterin, the co-founder of Ethereum, received a $100,000 grant from the Thiel Foundation, which played a crucial role in the development of the cryptocurrency. This support from Thiel was instrumental in the eventual launch and success of Ethereum.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Thiel’s childhood interests in science fiction and fantasy have left a lasting impact on his ventures. From playing Dungeons & Dragons to being an avid reader of authors like Isaac Asimov and J.R.R. Tolkien, Thiel’s passion for these genres is evident in the names of his companies, such as Mithril Capital and Palantir.

In conclusion, while Peter Thiel is widely recognized for his contributions to the tech and investment sectors, delving into these lesser-known aspects of his life provides a more comprehensive understanding of this influential figure.