Thiel Fellowship 🚀 Accelerator
$250,000 grant over two years, no equity, for builders aged 22 or under who skip or leave college.
| Investment | $250k |
|---|---|
| Who qualifies | Aged 22 or under, no university degree, willing to skip or leave college. Equity-free grant; no equity taken. |
| Open in | Worldwide |
| Partner code needed | No: apply directly |
| Deadline | Rolling, apply any time |
| Terms last checked | 2026-10-11 |
About Thiel Fellowship
What you get
The Thiel Fellowship is a two-year programme that gives each Fellow a $250,000 grant, paid over the two years. The FAQ says: "We do not take equity in your company." Fellows also join a community of past Fellows and mentors.
Who qualifies
Anyone aged 22 or younger without a university degree. You must skip or "stop out" of college: if you are still in school, you need to leave to accept. You should show meaningful progress toward a concrete vision.
Good to know
- Applications are accepted year-round.
- You do not have to relocate; Fellows are based around the world.
- It funds the person, so it can back a company, research or another project.
Verdict
The largest equity-free cash award for young founders. The catch is leaving formal education, which is a real personal decision.
How to apply
- Read the FAQ at thielfellowship.org/faq.
- Apply any time via the "Apply Now" link.
- Show concrete progress on what you are building.
- Questions to [email protected].
Who it is for
Steps Thiel Fellowship helps with
Pros
- $250K with no equity
- Year-round applications
- No need to relocate
Cons
- Must be 22 or under and leave college
- Very selective
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