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Billionaire Profile
Tim Draper
Global Rank
#1408

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Tim Draper

CEO, Draper Associates
US
Real-Time Net Worth
$2B
As of December 2025
Age
67
Source
Cryptocurrency
Industry
finance-investments
Citizenship
US

Biography

Timothy Cook Draper (born June 11, 1958) is an American venture capital investor. He is the founder of Draper Associates, Draper University, and Draper Venture Network. Draper's wealth source is primarily derived from his investments in cryptocurrency and early tech startups. His career has spanned decades, marked by his early investments in groundbreaking companies like Hotmail, Skype, Tesla, and SpaceX. Draper is recognized as a proponent of Bitcoin and decentralization, and he purchased nearly 30,000 bitcoins in 2014, which were confiscated from the Silk Road black market. He is known for his innovative investment strategies and his belief in freedom and decentralization. Draper is also known for his philanthropic endeavors and his work with Draper University, which offers courses in entrepreneurship. In addition, he has been recognized as one of the top investors in the industry and is known for his outspoken views on the future of technology and finance.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Tim Draper was born on June 11, 1958, in East Chicago, Indiana. He comes from a family with a strong venture capital and public service background. His father, William Henry Draper III, founded Draper & Johnson Investment Company. His grandfather, William Henry Draper Jr., founded Draper, Gaither, and Anderson in 1958 and served as the first ambassador to NATO. Draper attended Phillips Academy Andover before graduating from Stanford University in 1980 with a BS in electrical engineering. He later earned an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1984.

Rise to Success

Draper began his venture capital career in 1985, leaving Alex. Brown & Sons to start his own firm. He is best known for founding Draper Fisher Jurvetson (DFJ) and Draper Associates. He gained prominence for his investments in tech companies like Hotmail, Skype, and Tesla. Draper also helped popularize the term “viral marketing” through his investments. His foresight in the potential of Bitcoin resulted in substantial returns.

Key Business Strategies

Draper's investment strategy focuses on identifying disruptive technologies and supporting entrepreneurs who aim to reshape industries. He is known for his contrarian views and willingness to invest in unconventional ventures. His approach, often described as “Funding the Future First,” has led him to invest in sectors such as AI, robotics, aerospace, and healthcare. Draper also founded Draper University, an educational program to teach entrepreneurship, further supporting his vision for innovation.

Philanthropy

Draper has been involved in philanthropic endeavors. He founded BizWorld, a non-profit organization that teaches entrepreneurship and business fundamentals to children. He is also involved in initiatives focusing on education and economic development, demonstrating a commitment to supporting future innovators.

Career Milestones

1985

Founded Draper Associates

Established a seed-stage venture capital firm focused on investing in transformative technologies.

1985

Founded Draper Fisher Jurvetson (DFJ)

Co-founded a venture capital firm with John Fisher and Steve Jurvetson, which later became DFJ Growth.

2013

Founded Draper University

Launched an educational program for aspiring entrepreneurs in San Mateo, California.

2014

Purchased Bitcoin at Auction

Bought nearly 30,000 Bitcoins seized by U.S. Marshals from the Silk Road black market.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education

BizWorld

Undisclosed

Founded a non-profit to teach entrepreneurship to children.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""I look at it quite differently, because I think bitcoin is the future currency.""

""Go ahead, take the chance, and don't be afraid to fail.""

Leadership Principles

Promote Freedom

Encouraging freedom in personal and economic spheres.

Embrace Failure

Create an environment where failure is accepted as a learning opportunity.

Funding the Future First

Invest in transformative technologies and entrepreneurs.

Controversies & Challenges

2018

Support for Theranos

Defended Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos, even after accusations of fraud.

2014

California Split Initiative

Proposed splitting California into six smaller states, which was met with opposition.