“There is a sort of genre of optimistic science fiction that I like, and I don't think there is enough of. One of my favourites is a short story by Arthur C. Clarke, 'The City and the Stars.' It's set in this far future on Earth in this somewhat static society and trying to break out.”

German-American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and conservative political activist

Peter Thiel is a German-American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and conservative political activist. He is known as a co-founder of PayPal, Palantir Technologies, and Founders Fund, and as Facebook's first outside investor. His work spans startups, investment, and politics, and his public profile is tied to the companies he helped build and back. Forbes estimated his net worth at US$37.7 billion as of October 2026.