“The Lord of the Rings,” often referred to as LotR, isn’t just a staple in the tech world; it also fuels entrepreneurial inspiration.
Take billionaire PayPal cofounder Peter Thiel as an example. He has founded multiple companies influenced by J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic saga. Published in the mid-1950s as a sequel to “The Hobbit,” the fantasy trilogy follows Frodo Baggins and his companions on a quest to destroy a powerful ring that could unleash darkness upon the world if it falls into the hands of the dark lord Sauron.
On Halloween 2018, the Salesforce Tower in San Francisco illuminated itself to resemble the ominous Eye of Sauron. Quinn Reilly, a longtime fan who helped organize the tower’s lighting, remarked, “‘Lord of the Rings’ captures the spirit of a group striving to accomplish something extraordinary—similar to the aspirations of most startups.”
Several companies in Silicon Valley draw direct inspiration from this legendary series. Notably, Palmer Luckey’s digital bank for startups and cryptocurrency, named Erebor, reflects the fabled Lonely Mountain and its wealth in “The Lord of the Rings.” The bank is expected to reach a valuation of $2 billion, backed by Thiel’s Founders Fund.
Luckey has also founded Anduril, a defense technology startup named after Aragorn’s iconic sword, which signifies “Flame of the West.” Established in 2017, Anduril is pioneering AI-driven innovations in warfare.
Another nod to Tolkien is Palantir, a software firm launched in 2003 by Thiel and his co-founders. Its name comes from the powerful seeing stones depicted in the series.
Then there’s Mithril Capital, Thiel’s venture launched in 2012, named after the rare and valuable metal from the lore, symbolizing status and wealth.
Other companies include Durin Mining, focused on automating drill rigs for mineral discovery, and Rivendell One LLC, managing Thiel’s Facebook investments. Lembas LLC, another of Thiel’s ventures, is named after the nourishing elvish bread. Finally, Valar Ventures references the mighty godlike beings in Tolkien’s universe.
Each of these companies showcases how the world of “The Lord of the Rings” continues to inspire innovation and entrepreneurship in the modern business landscape.