Danielle Strachman

Michael Gibson, co-founder of the 1517 Fund and author of *Paper Belt on Fire*, along with Danielle Strachman, also a co-founder and advocate for dropouts, discuss their rebellion against traditional higher education. They challenge the idea that universities foster creativity, arguing that personal potential often trumps credentials. The duo explores nostalgia in innovation, critiques dystopian narratives, and emphasizes the need for cognitive diversity in entrepreneurship, promoting unique cultural expressions as essential for creative breakthroughs.

Danielle Strachman, co-founder of 1517 Fund and a key architect of the Thiel Fellowship, shares remarkable insights into how the fellowship has generated over $550 billion in value. She discusses the unconventional selection process that identifies ambitious young innovators like the founders of Ethereum and OYO. The conversation highlights the fellowship's impact on education, the rise of deep tech, and the vital role of hyperfluency in fostering innovation. Strachman also reflects on the challenges of alternative education and the future of AGI.

Danielle Strachman, co-founder and General Partner at 1517 Fund, shares her insights on empowering young entrepreneurs through mentorship and small grants. She highlights incredible success stories, like a young innovator transitioning from ice cream to freight forwarding. Danielle discusses the balance of frugality in startups, the importance of individualized education, and the crucial role of community support amidst challenges. Her experience sheds light on the transformative power of belief capital and creative collaboration in the startup ecosystem.

Danielle Strachman was one of the orginal operators of the Thiel Fellowship and is a cofounder and general partner of 1517 Fund, a VC firm that focuses on backing founders that are getting their education through starting a business rather than attending university. She has worked with young entrepreneurs for over a decade. In this episode you’ll learn about Danielle’s views on education, the types of people she works with at 1517, how to raise high agency learners, and the value we can obtain from “glitch in the matrix” moments. This episode is sponsored by John Galt Mortgage Company https://www.johngaltmortgage.com Chapters: 0:00 - Danielle Strachman 5:05 - What is 1517? 5:57 - Invisible College 10:39 - Supporting High Agency Learners 14:30 - Getting Paid to Learn & Creating Your Own Opportunities 33:00 - Who is the Right Fit for 1517? 44:50 - The Power of Innovation 47:20 - Sponsor: John Galt Mortgage Company 50:00 - Conscious Decision Making About Your Future 56:30 - Nature vs. Nurture & Sustained Motivation 1:03:30 - "Glitch in the Matrix" Moments 1:17:30 - Questioning Rules and Self Concept 1:19:23 - Danielle’s Background in Education 1:33:35 - Taking Young People Seriously 1:38:35 - Advice for Helping Young People Find Their Passion 1:44:00 - How to Connect with Danielle If You Enjoy This Show Please Subscribe and Give Us a 5-Star Rating ★★★★★ and Review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Zen and The Art of Making a Living - Laurence G. Boldt Paper Belt on Fire - Michael Gibson Absorbant Mind - Maria Montesorri Connect with Danielle Strachman: Twitter | @dstrachman Website | https://www.1517fund.com Connect with Hannah Frankman: Twitter | @hannahfrankman Website | http://hannahfrankman.com Follow along for conversations on education, lifestyle, personal development, and freedom. All in ardent pursuit of a life well lived.

Danielle Strachman, founder of the 1517 Fund and co-founder of the Thiel Fellowship, dives into the often-taboo subject of hope in modern discourse. She passionately argues that optimism requires defensibility, while pessimism thrives unchecked. Strachman shares insights on the power of positive naiveté among young founders and emphasizes community building as a faith-based effort. With anecdotes, like her memorable $50 bagels story, she illustrates how organic connections and encouraging creativity can accelerate ambition and push boundaries for the next generation.