Bay Curious What Is the PayPal Mafia?
May 29, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Anna Mistele, a computer science major from Stanford, and Morgan Sung, host of the KQED podcast Close All Tabs, unpack the enigmatic PayPal Mafia. They delve into how this influential group, including figures like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, has shaped both Silicon Valley and political landscapes. The conversation explores the origins of these billionaires in apartheid-era South Africa and their lasting impact on contemporary U.S. policies. Tune in for insights on tech culture and its intersection with global politics!
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What is PayPal Mafia?
- The PayPal Mafia consists of early PayPal co-founders and employees who stayed connected after the company sold.
- They significantly influenced Silicon Valley through founding, investing, and advising new tech companies.
PayPal Mafia Photo Shoot
- In 2007, Fortune magazine featured 13 PayPal Mafia men masquerading as stereotypical mobsters in a photo shoot.
- This playful image compared them to New Jersey mafia members with tracksuits and gold chains, despite being offensive stereotype.
PayPal Mafia's Apartheid Roots
- Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, and David Sachs grew up with privileges in apartheid-era South Africa linked to European fascism.
- Their backgrounds influenced their worldview and some of their controversial stances in politics and business.
