What If Someone Gave You $100K Not to Go to College?
- klub zero
- Apr 12
- 6 min read
In today’s startup world, founders are constantly chasing funding—pitching to VCs, diluting equity, and trading control for cash. But what if someone flipped the script and said:
“Here’s $100,000. No strings attached. No equity. No degree required. Just drop out of college and build something that matters.”
Sounds wild, right?
That’s exactly what the Thiel Fellowship does.
What is the Thiel Fellowship?
The Thiel Fellowship is one of the most unconventional and talked-about programs in the entrepreneurial world. Founded in 2011 by billionaire investor Peter Thiel, it offers a simple but bold proposition:
Get $100,000 in grant funding—not a loan, not equity-based—to leave college (or skip it altogether) and spend two years working full-time on your idea.
No grades. No lectures. No required reading list.
Just you, your vision, and the backing to make it real.
Every year, the fellowship selects around 20–30 young people under the age of 23 from around the world who are already building something bold—whether it’s a tech startup, a scientific breakthrough, a nonprofit, or a deep research project.
The only hard rule? You can’t be enrolled in school while you're in the program.
This isn’t a rebellion against education—it’s a statement that some ideas, some people, and some problems can’t wait for a diploma.
Fellows are given the freedom to build something meaningful—whether it’s a startup, a scientific breakthrough, a revolutionary product, or a social movement. The only requirement? It must have bold vision and the potential for real-world impact.
What Does the Thiel Fellowship Actually Offer (Besides $100K)?
The $100,000 grant gets all the headlines. But ask any Thiel Fellow, and they’ll tell you—the money is just the start.
The real value lies in what surrounds it: time, trust, and serious resources to help you build at a pace most people your age never get to experience.
First, the structure: there isn’t one. No classes. No curriculum. You choose your direction, you set the pace. That might sound risky, but for self-starters who already have momentum, it’s a huge advantage. You’re not told what to do—you’re expected to figure it out, and you’re backed while you do.
You also get direct access to a network of high-level mentors, including investors, scientists, founders, and past fellows who’ve already built serious companies. These aren’t motivational speakers—they’re people who’ve raised capital, launched products, built labs, and hired teams. You’ll have real conversations about strategy, growth, and execution—not theory.
Then there’s the community of fellows, past and present. It’s not huge—around 250 people have gone through the program—but that’s part of the strength. You’re not lost in a crowd. You’re connected to a global group of young builders tackling ambitious problems across sectors: AI, biotech, Web3, climate, education, hardware, and more. Many collaborate. Some become co-founders. Others invest in each other’s companies.
The fellowship also provides practical startup support—think: introductions to VCs, legal guidance for incorporation, help with fundraising decks, and even press strategy. If you need something specific, there’s usually someone in the network who can help—or who’s done it before.
And while there’s no physical campus, fellows often base themselves in hubs like San Francisco or New York, where access to investors, accelerators, and other founders is strongest. The fellowship encourages—but doesn’t require—you to immerse yourself in these environments.
The point is: this isn’t just a grant. It’s a launchpad for people already in motion—a two-year window where you’re free to go all in on your idea, surrounded by the right people and the right kind of help.
Who Are the Thiel Fellows—and What Have They Built?
Since 2011, the Thiel Fellowship has backed a growing network of exceptional young founders, scientists, and creators—each under 23—who chose to skip or leave college and instead chase bold ideas. These aren't just promising names. They're people who’ve reshaped industries, raised billions in funding, and created real global impact.
Whether it’s in blockchain, biotech, education, clean energy, or social innovation, these fellows prove that age is not a barrier to ambition—and that with the right support, young builders can change the world.
Name | What They Built | 🎓 Fellowship Year |
Co-founder of Ethereum, powering Web3, DeFi, and NFTs | 2014 | |
Co-founder of Figma, acquired (attempted) by Adobe for $20B | 2012 | |
Founder of Luminar, LIDAR for self-driving cars; billionaire | 2012 | |
Founder of OYO Rooms, global hotel chain | 2013 | |
Founder of The Longevity Fund, VC focused on anti-aging | 2011 | |
Founder of The Ocean Cleanup, tackling plastic pollution | 2013 | |
Co-founder of Upstart, AI-powered lending platform | 2011 | |
Creator of SunSaluter, solar + clean water tech | 2011 | |
Kavita Shukla | Inventor of FreshPaper, to reduce food spoilage globally | 2010 |
Founder of Hello, focused on sleep tech innovation | 2011 | |
Tech entrepreneur, built multiple consumer apps | 2013 |
These fellows have raised money from top-tier VCs, been featured in Forbes 30 Under 30, spoken at global events, and in many cases, have gone on to mentor or invest in the next generation of builders—including other Thiel Fellows.
And if you’re accepted into the fellowship, this becomes your network. These are the people you'll meet at retreats, DM for advice, pitch alongside, or even co-found companies with. It’s not just access to funding—it’s access to a mindset, a tribe, and a front-row seat to the future.
Eligibility Criteria
You must be 22 years old or younger at the time of applying
You must be willing to drop out or pause college during the fellowship
You should already be working on something—a startup, a scientific idea, a movement, a product
When Can You Apply?
Applications are open year-round. There are no fixed deadlines and no batch-based intakes. That means: You can apply whenever you're ready. The sooner, the better.
Fellows are accepted on a rolling basis, and if you're a strong fit, you may be contacted within a few weeks of applying.
👉 Apply here: https://thielfellowship.org
You don’t need a company, revenue, or a co-founder—just real progress
What Do They Look For?
The Thiel Fellowship is looking for doers, not just dreamers. Here’s what tends to stand out:
Initiative: You're already building, testing, or experimenting—not just thinking about it
Originality: You’re working on something unique, underexplored, or counterintuitive
Clarity: You can clearly explain your idea, the problem it solves, and your progress
Resilience: You’ve taken risks or faced challenges—and kept going
Obsession: You’re deeply into your work. This isn’t a side project—it’s your mission
Step-by-Step Application Breakdown:
1. Online Application You start by filling out a form on ThielFellowship.org. This includes your personal story, details about your current project, your traction, and your motivation.
Tip: Have a clear, compelling pitch deck ready. Think of it as your startup’s story—what you’re solving, why it matters, and why now.
2. Initial Review If your application sparks interest, someone from the fellowship team may reach out for clarification, additional info, or early-stage feedback.
3. Letter of Recommendation (Optional) This isn’t required, but a strong intro from someone in the Thiel network (like a past fellow or mentor) can help spark that first connection.
4. First Interview You’ll dive into your idea, your background, and your long-term vision. These conversations are more like strategy chats than formal Q&As.
5. 2-Minute Video Submission You’ll be asked to submit a short video introducing yourself, your mission, and what makes your project inevitable.
Be authentic. Show your passion, not just your pitch.
6. Deep-Dive Interviews (3–4 Rounds) Each lasts 20–30 minutes, often with different members of the fellowship network—founders, investors, scientists, etc. Expect to go deep into your thinking, resilience, and ability to execute.
7. Final Decision: If selected, you’ll be invited to join the fellowship and must officially commit to pausing or leaving school during the two-year program.
Timeline: From start to finish, the entire process can take 4–5 months.
Interview questions
1. Past Projects
What are the most significant projects you've worked on in the past?
What problem did each project solve, and how did you validate its impact?
What were the key learnings or failures from those projects?
How did these past experiences prepare you for your current project?
2. Current Project
What is the project you’re currently working on?
Why is now the right time to build this?
Why hasn't anyone solved this problem before?
What makes your approach unique or significantly better?
What traction or early proof points do you have?
What’s the potential scale or impact of your idea?
How are you funding or supporting the project at the moment?
3. Big Question: Willingness to Drop Out
Why are you willing to drop out of school/college for this?
What would you be missing out on by staying in school?
What unique advantage does the Thiel Fellowship offer you right now?
If not now, when? Why is this moment the best time for you to pursue your project full-time?
Minute Video Submission (Prompt-style Prep)
How would you describe yourself and your mission in under 30 seconds?
What makes your project not just interesting but inevitable?
What’s your personal story—what led you to build this?
How does your background or experience uniquely position you to succeed?
Why are you passionate about solving this specific problem?
If you’re already building, obsessed with your mission, and ready to bet on yourself—this could be your moment.
Stuck? Starting? Scaling?
Wherever you are, we’re here to help. Let’s talk. Book a consulting call
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