Draper University of Heroes

Tim Draper’s Young Entrepreneur University

Draper University of HeroesI just got an email from VC veteran Tim Draper, informing me that Draper University (http://draperuniversity.com/) is taking applications for 2013. The program offers the “ultimate immersive entrepreneurial experience” for 18-27 year old entrepreneurs, over the course of 6-8 weeks in the spring and summer in a hotel in San Mateo, CA.

The ongoing change in Venture Capital, entrepreneurship and education, got Tim Draper to focus on building entrepreneurship from the ground up.

It’s a school where the students are called “Heroes” because in his opinion, the idea of trying new things, makes people feel like they are super heroes.  And in fitting way, he plans to put them through an 8 week “bootcamp”: He wants students to read a book a day, do public speaking almost every day, and learn by doing… what’s different in his school is that failure is encouraged. Each student is encouraged to start a venture/project during the program, but the expectation is not success – it’s learning.

Domestic and international students are welcome to apply and SAT scores don’t matter. The application form is the only requirement, and it should demonstrate the student’s entrepreneurial spirit.

With inspirational speakers like Elon Musk, Shawn Fanning and Tony Hsie and a curriculum that includes classes on futurology, venture capital, lean startups, design thinking, etc (see image below) – he may have a chance. Even the tuition has a twist – the student can choose to pay up to $9,500 upfront (includes room and board), or pay a percent of their income for the next 10 years – very clever.

Draper University curriculum
The Draper University Sample Curriculum includes classes on Futurology, Venture Capital, Design Thinking…

I agree that it’s time to transform education. I’m not sure this is it, but it definitely got me thinking! the only question me, and others, may have is why limit it only to 18-27 year olds?

 

 

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Co Founder and Managing Partner at Remagine Ventures
Eze is managing partner of Remagine Ventures, a seed fund investing in ambitious founders at the intersection of tech, entertainment, gaming and commerce with a spotlight on Israel.

I'm a former general partner at google ventures, head of Google for Entrepreneurs in Europe and founding head of Campus London, Google's first physical hub for startups.

I'm also the founder of Techbikers, a non-profit bringing together the startup ecosystem on cycling challenges in support of Room to Read. Since inception in 2012 we've built 11 schools and 50 libraries in the developing world.
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