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Why this Silicon Valley VC donated to both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump

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Tim Draper , the renowned Silicon Valley venture capitalist , recently disclosed that he has made contributions to the US presidential campaigns of both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump . In a LinkedIn post, Draper explained that he and his wife made these donations in “roughly equal amounts” to gain the opportunity to meet both candidates. This, he said, would help them make a more informed decision about who to support.


Draper, who established Draper Associates in 1985, commented that he believes “both candidates have their hearts in the right place.” While he acknowledges that they would take the country in different directions, he remains optimistic that either would result in positive change for America.


Tim Draper is not just a significant figure in politics; he is one of the most prominent names in venture capitalism. Famous for early investments in companies like SpaceX, Tesla, and Skype, Draper has played a transformative role in Silicon Valley's growth and evolution. His ability to spot high-potential startups and invest in disruptive technologies has cemented his position as a leading figure in the tech world.


Born in 1958 into a family with a long history in venture capital, Draper followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, both of whom were venture capitalists. After earning degrees from Stanford University and Harvard Business School, Draper launched his own firm, Draper Associates, which has since backed several household names. His investment portfolio includes transformative companies such as Hotmail, Baidu, and SpaceX.

One of Draper’s most notable traits is his passion for disruptive technologies, particularly his support for Bitcoin and blockchain . In 2014, he purchased nearly 30,000 bitcoins in a government auction, firmly establishing himself as one of the earliest and most enthusiastic supporters of cryptocurrency. For Draper, Bitcoin is more than just a financial opportunity; he views it as a tool for decentralising power and transforming the financial system. His advocacy extends to the broader applications of blockchain, which he believes can revolutionise everything from governance to voting systems.

Draper’s vision for disruption goes beyond technology. He once proposed dividing California into six separate states, arguing that this radical move would lead to more effective governance. Though the idea did not progress, it underscored Draper’s commitment to challenging traditional structures in favour of more innovative solutions.


His influence also extends to education, where he has sought to cultivate the next generation of entrepreneurs through Draper University, which he founded in 2012. Focused on teaching entrepreneurship and encouraging risk-taking, the university embodies Draper’s philosophy that innovation often comes from questioning established norms and being unafraid of failure.

Tim Draper’s legacy is one of bold investments, disruptive ideas, and a commitment to fostering innovation. Through his contributions to technology, education, and venture capitalism, Draper continues to inspire entrepreneurs and visionaries around the world, leaving an enduring mark on both Silicon Valley and the broader world of finance.

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