Draper University

Draper University, founded in 2012 by venture capitalist Tim Draper, is a private, for-profit educational institution based in San Mateo, California. It is recognised for its unique approach to entrepreneurship education, focusing on real-world scenarios and unconventional methods to foster innovation and business acumen among its students.

Draper University offers various programmes, including Hero Training, Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship, and the GO! Entrepreneurship Immersion Program. These initiatives are designed to take entrepreneurs out of their comfort zones, encouraging them to develop and execute their ideas effectively.

The institution has garnered significant success, with over $240 million in venture funding secured by its alumni, who have founded more than 700 companies and created over 7,000 jobs globally. Draper University is also credited with nurturing eight unicorn companies over the past decade, highlighting its impact on the startup ecosystem. Its alumni have been featured in prestigious lists like Forbes 30 under 30 and have secured funding from renowned investors such as Marc Benioff and Marc Andreessen.

Draper University also collaborates with global innovation ecosystems, partnering with governments and organisations in regions like LATAM, Europe, Africa, and Asia to provide Silicon Valley expertise and resources. These partnerships aim to boost innovation and entrepreneurial activity in emerging markets. Draper University has also formed alliances with blockchain platforms like Tezos, Algorand, and VeChain, offering accelerator programmes to startups within these ecosystems.

Draper University has a strong network of mentors, including industry leaders such as Elon Musk and Andrew Chen.

Draper University was established in 2012 by Tim Draper, a prominent venture capitalist and co-founder of Draper Fisher Jurvetson (DFJ). The origin of the institution traces back to 2011, when Tim Draper purchased the historic Hotel Benjamin Franklin building in San Mateo, California. His vision was to create a unique educational environment that would nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs.

The first session at Draper University welcomed 40 students, marking the beginning of a new kind of educational experience focused on entrepreneurship and innovation. Over the years, the institution expanded its offerings, now providing Fall, Spring, and Summer programs tailored not only to students but also to CEOs and government officials through its executive education programs. These programs are designed to equip participants with the skills and mindset needed to succeed in the fast-paced world of startups and business leadership.

In April 2015, Draper University gained widespread recognition through the reality television series Startup U. The 10-episode series showcased the university's intensive seven-week program, providing viewers with an inside look at the entrepreneurial journey of the participants. One of the notable figures featured on the show was Miss USA 2013, Erin Brady, who joined the program to develop and seek investors for her company, Romeo in a Box.

Draper University's influence continued to grow, and in May 2016, the institution formed a significant partnership with Arizona State University (ASU) and Global Silicon Valley (GSV). This collaboration aimed to combine Draper’s innovative approach to education with ASU’s academic curriculum and extensive student body. The result was the ASU Draper GSV Accelerator, an entrepreneurial program that integrated Draper University’s boot camp with ASU’s resources. This initiative offered scholarships to ASU students, and by the Fall of 2017, the partnership evolved to include a program that provided 15 college credits and a certificate of entrepreneurship, further solidifying Draper University’s role as a leader in entrepreneurial education.

Draper University offers a variety of courses designed to cultivate entrepreneurial skills, foster innovation, and prepare individuals to launch and grow successful ventures. Below is an overview of the key programmes and courses available:

Hero Training

The Hero Training programme is Draper University's flagship five-week pre-accelerator course held in Silicon Valley. It is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to develop a startup or bring a business idea to life. The curriculum covers various essential aspects of entrepreneurship, including vision and future, where participants learn to develop a clear vision for their business using techniques such as futurology, predictive analysis, and idea generation. The money and resources module covers the financial aspects of starting a business, including venture capital, fundraising strategies, and cryptocurrency. 

The programme also focuses on strength and speed, emphasising prototyping, running lean operations, and scaling a business. Participants gain knowledge of the legal structure of businesses, including incorporation, term sheets, and company formation in the legal and justice module. Creativity is enhanced through media training, branding, storytelling, sales, digital marketing, and networking. 

The programme also provides tools like prototyping, disruptive innovation, and design thinking to validate product ideas under the special power module. Evangelism builds a warrior mindset to overcome challenges, learn from failure, and persist in the entrepreneurial journey, while survival offers advanced negotiation techniques, pitching skills, and lie detection to help participants navigate business environments effectively. The programme includes mentoring from experienced entrepreneurs, including high-profile figures like Elon Musk and Andrew Chen and culminates in a pitch day where participants present their ideas to potential investors.

Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship

The Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship is a two-week virtual programme that provides participants with foundational knowledge in entrepreneurship. It is ideal for those who are at the early stages of their entrepreneurial journey. The course includes developing your business, where participants learn how to develop a business idea from scratch, guided by Silicon Valley founders and experts. The programme features online activities with lectures and group challenges that simulate real-world problem-solving.

Participants receive five sessions of one-on-one mentoring with industry experts who offer personalised guidance. Draper University also provides a funding opportunity, with a dedicated fund to invest up to $100,000 in chosen alumni companies, giving a significant boost to promising startups. Upon completion, participants earn a digital Draper University certificate, signifying their achievement and readiness to tackle entrepreneurial challenges.

GO! Entrepreneurship Immersion Program

The GO! Programme is a highly immersive experience that combines elements of the Hero Training and Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship. It is designed to push entrepreneurs out of their comfort zones, helping them to deliver their best work. The curriculum focuses on real-world application, with participants engaging in activities that mirror the challenges faced by startup founders. The programme emphasises the development of a ‘Hero Mindset,’ futurism, and a solid understanding of startup basics, including business planning and investment.

Bespoke Government Innovation Programmes

Bespoke Government Innovation Programmes are another key offering, where Draper University partners with various government agencies worldwide to offer customised programmes that support the growth of innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems. These bespoke programmes are tailored to the specific needs of the region or industry, leveraging Draper University’s expertise in scouting, speaker networks, and venture capital connections.

VCx Program

The VCx Program is a one-week intensive course designed for members of entrepreneurial families and early-stage investors. Participants learn the fundamentals of venture capital, deal flow, and networking with top Silicon Valley venture capitalists. The programme includes private tours, group discussions, and case studies, providing a comprehensive understanding of the venture capital landscape.

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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