Peter Thiel, cofounder of PayPal and Palantir Technologies, is one of Silicon Valley’s most influential and contrarian thinkers, known for backing companies that challenge consensus and reshape entire industries. As an early investor in Facebook and the first outside investor in several category-defining startups, Thiel helped popularize a philosophy centered on building monopolies through deep technology rather than incremental competition. Through Founders Fund, he has backed transformative ventures across software, defense, biotech, and space. Thiel’s impact extends beyond investing into ideas, shaping debates around technology, globalization, and the future of innovation.

Mark Pincus, founder and former CEO of Zynga, was a pioneer of social gaming, turning casual games into a mass-market phenomenon on Facebook and mobile platforms. After early ventures in internet services and venture capital, Pincus launched Zynga in 2007, scaling hits like FarmVille and Words With Friends into a multibillion-dollar business that went public in 2011. Known for his aggressive growth strategies and product experimentation, he later stepped back from daily operations while remaining an active investor and entrepreneur through Reinvent Capital. Pincus continues to influence consumer technology at the intersection of gaming, social interaction, and digital monetization.

Anthony Pritzker is an heir to the Pritzker family fortune (Hyatt Hotels) and Managing Partner of Pritzker Private Capital. A Dartmouth and University of Chicago MBA graduate, he has steered middle‑market acquisitions while supporting environmental, arts, and educational causes through UCLA and RAND. His low‑profile leadership focuses on operational discipline and civic impact.

Antonio Gracias is a prominent American entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist known for his leadership at Valor Equity Partners. He is a key figure in private equity investing with significant influence in the technology and manufacturing sectors.

Gwynne Shotwell is the President and COO of SpaceX, playing a pivotal role in its rise as a leader in space exploration and commercial spaceflight. She is known for her engineering expertise, leadership skills, and significant contributions to the aerospace industry.

Elon Musk, a visionary entrepreneur and tech innovator, has reshaped industries with ventures like SpaceX and Tesla, balancing bold ambitions with controversial public presence and philanthropic efforts.