Michael Patrick Gibson

Michael Patrick Gibson is the Founder and General Partner of 1517 Fund, a venture capital firm established in June 2015. The fund focuses on investing in startups led by college dropouts and uncredentialed innovators, reflecting Gibson's belief that great founders can succeed without traditional educational paths.134

Career Background

Before founding 1517 Fund, Gibson gained extensive experience in investment and advisory roles. He was an Investor and Advisor at Luminar Technologies starting in April 2013 and served as Vice President for Grants at The Thiel Foundation, where he managed funding initiatives. Additionally, he worked as a Principal at Thiel Capital from September 2010 to June 2015, contributing to his expertise in venture capital and startup ecosystems. Gibson began his career in journalism as an Editorial Assistant at MIT Technology Review from 2006 to 2007.14

Education

Gibson has a diverse academic background. He attended the University of Oxford, where he pursued a PhD in Philosophy but left before completion. He also studied at the University of Chicago, earning a Master's degree in Classics, and holds a Bachelor of Arts from New York University.15

Contributions and Philosophy

Gibson is known for his involvement in the Thiel Fellowship, co-founded with Peter Thiel, which offers grants to young entrepreneurs to pursue their projects instead of traditional higher education. His book, Paper Belt on Fire, critiques the conventional education system and advocates for alternative paths to success in entrepreneurship and innovation. He emphasizes the importance of character and experience over formal applications in evaluating potential entrepreneurs.246

Gibson's approach to venture capital and education has positioned him as a significant figure in discussions about innovation, entrepreneurship, and the future of higher education.