Draper University

Draper University, also known as Draper University of Heroes, was founded in 2012 by venture capitalist Tim Draper. It is a private, for-profit school located in San Mateo, California, offering various entrepreneurial programs aimed at students, executives, and corporate entities. The university provides a five to seven-week Hero Training program, which is held four times a year, focusing on essential startup skills and networking opportunities. In 2017, Draper University partnered with Arizona State University (ASU) to launch a 16-week semester program, allowing students to earn 15 course credits and a certificate in entrepreneurship.

Draper University offers a range of specialised courses, including the two-week virtual Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship, which provides connections and networking opportunities with Silicon Valley experts. The VCx program is a six-day hands-on experience for those interested in venture capital, and the Stellar X Draper University Web3 Program focuses on blockchain and Web3 technologies. The university also collaborates with Richmond American University London for a five-week immersive program in Silicon Valley. For corporate executives, there is a five-day Corporate Innovation Program designed to teach disruptive technologies and leadership skills. Additionally, Draper University hosts a Blockchain Accelerator and a Corporate Accelerator, where selected startups receive capital and mentorship to accelerate their growth.

The university is known for its innovative approach to education, including the use of Hero City, a co-working business incubator that supports startups with space and resources. Draper University has a network of industry experts, investors, and mentors, contributing to the growth of its 3,300 alumni across 103 countries. The alumni have founded over 700 companies, created more than 7,000 jobs, and raised over $950 million in funding. Eight companies founded by alumni have reached unicorn status.

Draper University collaborates with various global partners, including governments and organisations, to promote innovation hubs worldwide. The university has established partnerships in regions such as LATAM, Europe, Africa, and Asia, providing local entrepreneurs access to Silicon Valley resources and expertise. It has also partnered with blockchain organisations like Tezos, Algorand, and VeChain to offer specialised accelerator programs.

Draper University’s digital platforms include Draper TV and a Web 3 podcast, providing educational content and insights from industry leaders. Draper TV features stories of successful entrepreneurs like Elon Musk and Tony Hsieh, sharing their experiences and lessons learned. The Web 3 podcast covers topics related to blockchain and emerging technologies, hosted by university leaders and guest experts.

The university operates out of the historic Hotel Benjamin Franklin building, which Tim Draper purchased and renovated in 2011. The building, originally opened in 1927, now serves as the main campus, housing classrooms and administrative offices. Draper University continues to inspire and support entrepreneurs globally through its diverse programs and strong network

Draper University, founded in 2012 by venture capitalist Tim Draper, is a private, for-profit school based in San Mateo, California. It was established to provide practical entrepreneurial education. 

The idea for the university began in 2011 when Tim Draper purchased the historic Hotel Benjamin Franklin building, constructed in 1927, to serve as the campus for the new institution. The first session of Draper University took place in 2012 with 40 students, focusing on developing entrepreneurial skills through an immersive, hands-on approach.

In 2013, Draper University partnered with Arizona State University (ASU) to offer a sixteen-week semester program that provided students with 15 course credits. This partnership marked the school’s transition from an unaccredited institution to one recognised for its educational contributions. The program blended Draper’s innovative teaching methods with ASU’s academic resources.

In 2015, Draper University gained broader visibility through the reality television series Startup U. The 10-episode show featured the university’s seven-week program, highlighting how students developed business ideas and navigated challenges. This exposure helped establish Draper University’s reputation as a unique centre for entrepreneurial education.

By 2016, Draper University had expanded its offerings by launching the ASU Draper GSV Accelerator, in collaboration with ASU and Global Silicon Valley. This initiative combined entrepreneurial training with academic coursework, providing students with a comprehensive learning experience. Six scholarships were awarded to ASU students to attend the program, encouraging participation from diverse backgrounds.

Draper University offers a variety of courses to meet different needs. The Hero Training program, a five to seven-week course, is held four times a year. The Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship, a two-week virtual program, connects participants with Silicon Valley experts. The VCx program, a six-day course, focuses on venture capital, and the university has introduced specialised blockchain and corporate accelerators to support startup growth. In collaboration with Richmond American University London, a five-week immersive program is held in Silicon Valley.

The university also operates Hero City, a co-working business incubator across the street from the main campus. This space provides startups with resources and networking opportunities. Draper University has built a strong network of mentors, investors, and industry experts to support its students.

Draper University has expanded its influence globally through partnerships in regions such as LATAM, Europe, Africa, and Asia. These collaborations aim to support the development of innovation hubs and provide local entrepreneurs with access to Silicon Valley resources. The university has also partnered with organisations like Tezos, Algorand, and VeChain for blockchain accelerator programs.

Draper University also runs Draper TV and a Web 3 podcast, offering educational content on entrepreneurship and emerging technologies. Draper TV features stories and interviews with successful entrepreneurs, while the Web 3 podcast covers blockchain-related topics.

As of 2024, Draper University has over 3,300 alumni from 103 countries. These alumni have founded more than 700 companies, created over 7,000 jobs, and raised over $950 million in funding. Eight alumni-founded companies have achieved unicorn status. The university continues to operate from the Hotel Benjamin Franklin building, providing a range of programs to support entrepreneurs globally.

Draper University offers several courses designed to support entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals at different stages of their careers. Each course focuses on building practical skills and providing networking opportunities.

Hero Training
The Hero Training program is a five to seven-week intensive course held at the Draper University campus in Silicon Valley. This program is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs aged 18 to 28. It covers essential startup skills such as pitching, product development, and fundraising. Participants engage in hands-on workshops, attend lectures by industry experts, and work in teams to develop and present their business ideas. The program also includes field trips to tech companies and opportunities to network with venture capitalists and successful entrepreneurs.

Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship
This is a two-week virtual program aimed at individuals who want to learn the basics of starting a business. It includes 30 hours of live sessions spread over 15 days. The course features guest speakers from Silicon Valley and provides opportunities for participants to network with global entrepreneurs and mentors. The program focuses on understanding business models, identifying market opportunities, and building a strong foundation for launching a startup.

VCx Program
The VCx (Venture Capital Experience) program is a six-day hands-on course designed for those interested in learning about venture capital. It is suitable for investors, family offices, and entrepreneurial families. Participants get to interact with top Silicon Valley venture capitalists and founders, learn about investment strategies, and gain insights into how venture capital works. The course also includes mock investment exercises and pitch sessions to help participants apply their learning.

Blockchain Accelerator
The Blockchain Accelerator is a five-week program held at the Draper University campus. It is designed for startups working in the blockchain and cryptocurrency sectors. The program provides access to capital, mentorship from industry experts, and workshops focused on scaling blockchain businesses. Participants have the opportunity to present their startups to a network of investors on Demo Day.

Corporate Innovation Program
This is a five-day virtual course aimed at corporate executives who want to understand the Silicon Valley mindset and bring innovation to their organisations. The program covers topics such as disruptive technologies, leadership skills, and managing innovation. It includes interactive sessions with industry leaders and practical exercises to help participants apply their learning to their own companies.

Stellar X Draper University Web3 Programs
These programs are intensive residencies focusing on Web3 technologies, held in Silicon Valley. They offer participants access to company-building workshops, mentorship from industry experts, and a network of investors. The program culminates in a Demo Day where participants present their startups to potential investors.

Richmond American University London Collaboration
In partnership with Richmond American University London, Draper University offers a five-week immersive program in Silicon Valley. Participants experience firsthand the innovation culture of Silicon Valley, engage in workshops, and network with local entrepreneurs and investors. This program is designed to give participants a deep understanding of the startup ecosystem and prepare them for entrepreneurial challenges.

Corporate Accelerator
The Corporate Accelerator is a five-week program designed to help businesses innovate and grow by collaborating with startups. Draper University scouts and selects high-quality startups that align with the corporate partner’s needs. The selected startups receive mentorship, capital, and support to develop solutions that can add value to the partner organisation. The program ends with a Demo Day where startups present their progress to stakeholders.

Global Governments Partnership Program
This program is designed to work with governments and institutions worldwide to support entrepreneurship, leadership, and job creation. Draper University partners with over 34 global organisations to build innovation hubs, provide training, and develop entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Draper University's alumni have achieved remarkable success, with over 700 companies founded across various industries. These alumni, known as "Heroes," are part of a global network of more than 3,300 individuals, spread across 103 countries. Through their entrepreneurial ventures, they have created over 7,000 new jobs, significantly contributing to upward mobility worldwide. Collectively, Draper University's alumni have raised over $950 million from top global investors, highlighting the impact and potential of their enterprises. Notably, eight of these companies have reached unicorn status, demonstrating the exceptional calibre of Draper University's alumni and their significant contributions to the global economy

Draper University graduates find roles in startups, venture capital firms, and established tech companies, showcasing the effectiveness of their entrepreneurial training. Many alumni go on to launch their successful ventures, further proving the university's impact. With over 700 companies founded by graduates, they have created more than 7,000 jobs globally. This strong job integration rate highlights the university's ability to equip students with the skills needed to thrive in competitive industries. Additionally, alumni have raised over $950 million from top investors, with eight companies reaching unicorn status.

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