Tim DraperFounder and Managing Partne, Draper Associate · I back the ideas that look crazy first

Nothing great comes without pain. 💥

23 Feb 2026 · 0 min

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Tim Draper compares today's AI to 20 million toddlers lacking the coordinated reasoning of mature neurons. He argues that real success requires pain, risk, and trial-and-error, not shortcuts. His philosophy: constantly take risks, forge your own path, and only work for people you'd want to become.

Modern AI is basically making their decision-making teams with 20 million toddlers. Is this a revolution? If you have a more intelligently designed neuron, you're building your team with adults.
Draper University. We are finding some of the greatest entrepreneurs. It took trial and error. It took a lot of pain to get to where we are now. Very challenging, but this is possible. I always say to myself, would I like to work for that person? I've been always taking risks, creating my own path.