I'd say that Terence got the investment from world renowned mathematicians because he was unusually gifted even at such a young age. It appears that some people

I'd say that Terence got the investment from world renowned mathematicians because he was unusually gifted even at such a young age. It appears that some people are innately adept at mathematical thinking but as you say, people can still learn and contribute even when they don't have such a spectacular start.