Thiel

Thiel is a surname of German origin. It is borne by various individuals in German-speaking countries and abroad. The name appears in historical records in Germany and among immigrant communities.

The most widely known bearer is Peter Thiel (born 1967), a German-American technology entrepreneur and investor. He co-founded PayPal and was among the first outside investors in Facebook. He has supported technology entrepreneurship through philanthropic and investment activities.

The Thiel Foundation, established by Peter Thiel, funds scientific research, entrepreneurship, and policy initiatives. The foundation is known for the Thiel Fellowship, which provides stipends to young people to pursue innovative projects instead of attending college.

The surname has other bearers across various fields, including science, business, and academia, though Peter Thiel remains the most prominent public figure associated with the name.