Organization · Accelerator
Draper University
Draper University is an accelerator based in San Mateo, California, founded by venture capitalist Tim Draper. It offers immersive entrepreneurship education programs aimed at supporting startup founders and innovators.
Overview
What Draper University does
What Draper University is
Draper University is an accelerator based in San Mateo, California, founded by venture capitalist Tim Draper. It offers immersive entrepreneurship education programs aimed at supporting startup founders and innovators.
How it participates in the startup ecosystem
The current public profile supports funder and program host and publisher capabilities. Each capability below is shown separately so organization identity and role-specific information do not get conflated.
Operational profile
Organization status and context
Organization status describes the entity itself. Funding and program availability appear within the relevant capability profile.
- Operational status
- Active
- Organization type
- Accelerator
- Founded
- Founded in 2012
- Approximate age
- About 14 years
- Structured capabilities
- Funder · Program host · Publisher
- Last reviewed
- March 27, 2026
What Accelerator means
An accelerator is a structured, short-term program designed to speed up a startup's progress toward product-market fit, traction, fundraising, or scale.
Open the glossary entryOfficial channels
Find Draper University elsewhere
Open the official website or a supported primary organization account.
Capability profile
Draper University as a funder
Investment thesis
Draper University focuses on education and entrepreneurship, supporting startup founders and innovators through various programs.
Focus narrative
Draper University invests in early-stage startups and offers various educational programs, including incubators and accelerators. Their initiatives target sectors such as technology, healthcare, fintech, and blockchain, with a global reach.
Value beyond capital
Draper University provides a robust support system for entrepreneurs, including access to a vast network of alumni, educational resources, and tailored programs that enhance the entrepreneurial journey.
Focus and fit
- Stages
- Accelerator · Pre-seed · Seed · Seed+ · Series A
- Sectors
- HealthcareFintech
- Regions
- Global
Availability
- Currently deploying
- Yes
Portfolio and track record
- Recorded portfolio count
- 3,300
Portfolio context
Draper University has a notable alumni network that includes over 3,300 individuals who have collectively raised more than $950 million in funding. Some alumni companies include: Helium Health: A healthcare technology company. Leverage Edu: An education technology platform. Zahara: A startup focused on innovative solutions. Archform: A company providing unique business solutions. Roby: A technology-driven startup.
Capability profile
Draper University as a program host
Program thesis
Draper University focuses on education and entrepreneurship, providing programs designed to support startup founders and innovators.
Focus narrative
Draper University invests in early-stage startups and offers various educational programs, including incubators and accelerators. Their initiatives target sectors such as technology, healthcare, fintech, and blockchain, with a global reach.
Value and support
Draper University offers various programs designed to equip participants with essential entrepreneurial skills, market validation, and pitch readiness.
Format and cadence
- Typical duration
- 5 weeks
- Format
- In Person
Availability
- Application state
- Not published
- Next deadline
- February 12, 2024
Focus and fit
- Stages
- Pre-seed · Seed
- Sectors
- HealthcareFintech
- Regions
- Global
Alumni and track record
Alumni context
Draper University has a notable alumni network that includes over 3,300 individuals who have collectively raised more than $950 million in funding. Some alumni companies include: Helium Health: A healthcare technology company. Leverage Edu: An education technology platform. Zahara: A startup focused on innovative solutions. Archform: A company providing unique business solutions. Roby: A technology-driven startup.
Capability profile
Draper University as a publisher
Editorial focus
Draper University, founded by venture capitalist Tim Draper, is dedicated to supporting startup founders and innovators through educational programs and resources. The organization invests in early-stage startups and offers various initiatives, including incubators and accelerators, targeting sectors such as technology, healthcare, fintech, and blockchain.
Audience value
Draper University provides aspiring entrepreneurs with essential skills and resources through its comprehensive educational programs, helping them navigate the startup landscape and achieve their business goals.
Format and cadence
- Content formats
- podcast and video-series
- Primary platform
- YouTube
Availability
- Guest pitch state
- Not currently accepting
Audience and focus
- Audience
- Founders
- Sectors
- FintechHealthcare
- Regions
- Global
Flagship work and coverage
Flagship properties
Draper University produces several key content pieces, including 'The Expert’s Table', a podcast focused on blockchain and entrepreneurship, and 'DraperTV', a YouTube channel that showcases entrepreneurial insights and success stories.
Notable coverage
Draper University boasts a notable alumni network of over 3,300 individuals who have collectively raised more than $950 million in funding, including successful companies like Helium Health and Leverage Edu.
Common questions
What to know about Draper University
Upseed classifies Draper University under the Accelerator organization type. Its current public profile includes funder, program host, and publisher capabilities.
Source and update disclosure
Know what this page is based on
Source basis
Public organization and program material, official websites, and structured Upseed records.
Last reviewed
March 27, 2026
Known limits
Capability profiles appear only when a structured public profile also contains decision-useful role evidence. Terms and availability can change.
Upseed is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the organization described on this page.