The Intrinsic Value Podcast - The Investor’s Podcast Network

MI275: Thiel Fellowship & Startup Investing w/ Michael Gibson

Jun 6, 2023

Michael Gibson, founder of 1517 and one of the minds behind the Thiel Fellowship, discusses successful companies from the fellowship, his venture fund 1517, flaws with education system, investments like Luminar, and future of autonomous driving.

56:31

Episode guests

Michael Gibson

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The Teal Fellowship program under 1517 Fund pays individuals to pursue entrepreneurial goals, challenging traditional education norms.

Luminar Technologies, backed by 1517 Fund, stands out in the autonomy space with their superior LiDAR sensor technology for accurate and safe navigation.

The decline in the value of traditional credentials is highlighted, emphasizing the need for alternative approaches like the Teal Fellowship in fostering young entrepreneurial talent.

Deep dives

The Teal Fellowship: Challenging the Conventional Education System

Michael Gibson, founder of venture capital firm 1517, discusses the flaws in the education system and how his fund seeks to change it. The Teal Fellowship, a program under 1517, pays individuals to drop out of college and pursue their entrepreneurial goals. Gibson believes that creativity is stifled by the slow pace of higher education and that young individuals have the potential to contribute innovative ideas without the need for years of traditional schooling.

Introduction

3min

From Philosophy to Venture Capital: An Unconventional Journey

12min

Being an Insider Outsider: Personal Experiences and Entrepreneurship

7min

Rethinking Success and Measurement in College Education

4min

Notable Successes and Investing Decisions

11min

Sponsors and Discussion on Airbnb and Success Stories

4min

Luminar: Advantages in the LiDAR Technology Industry

20min

Robert Leonard chats with Michael Gibson about the Thiel Fellowship, what it is and how it came to be, some of the most successful companies to come out of it, his firm 1517, startup investing, Luminar, and much, much more!

Michael Gibson is the founder of the venture capital firm 1517, one of the minds behind the Thiel Fellowship, and most recently, the author of Paper Belt on Fire.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:

00:00 - Intro.

04:35 - The story of how he met Peter Thiel and started the Thiel Fellowship.

15:56 - Why he left the Thiel Fellowship to start his own venture fund, 1517?

27:10 - The flaws with the current education system and how we can create more effective alternatives for young people interested in entrepreneurship.

31:41 - Some of his most successful investments at 1517, such as Luminar and Loom.

59:46 - His thoughts on Luminar, the the role he thinks the company can have in the future of autonomous driving.

*Disclaimer: Slight timestamp discrepancies may occur due to podcast platform differences.

BOOKS AND RESOURCES

Join the exclusive TIP Mastermind Community to engage in meaningful stock investing discussions with Kyle and the other community members.
Check out: 1517 Fund.
Check out: Paper Belt on Fire: How Renegade Investors Sparked a Revolt Against the University.

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