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Palantir Technologies Inc.
Palantir Technologies was founded in 2003 by Alexander Karp, Peter Thiel, and a group of engineers from Stanford and PayPal.
Palantir Technologies Inc.
Palantir Technologies was founded in 2003 by Alexander Karp, Peter Thiel, and a group of engineers from Stanford and PayPal. The company emerged from the CIA's venture arm In-Q-Tel and initially focused on intelligence and defense contracts. Palantir went public via direct listing on the NYSE in September 2020 under the ticker PLTR. Palantir builds two core software platforms: Gotham, for government and defense clients, and Foundry, for commercial enterprises. Both platforms ingest and structure large volumes of fragmented data, then use AI and machine learning to support decision-making. The company has deployed its software in over 200 organizations. Named clients include the U.S. Army, NHS England, BP, and Airbus (per company disclosures, 2024). Revenue is primarily subscription-based, with multiyear contracts typically ranging from $500,000 to tens of millions annually. Geographic operations span North America, Europe, and the Middle East. As of its 2024 annual report, Palantir reported approximately 3,800 employees and $2.9 billion in total revenue for the fiscal year. The company maintains offices in Denver (HQ), New York, London, and Tel Aviv. Palantir has no public-facing investment arm; its philanthropic vehicle, the Palantir Foundation, supports civil liberties and technology ethics programs (per the foundation's website). In February 2026, Palantir announced a five-year partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to improve data interoperability (per company press release, February 2026). Palantir's structural differentiator lies in its product model: instead of building custom software for each client, the company offers a platform that clients configure themselves. This enables rapid scaling across government and commercial sectors without proportional headcount growth. The company also profits from an equity stake in client outcomes, including warrants and stock grants tied to performance milestones — a model uncommon among enterprise software vendors.
General information
Firm type
Asset Manager
Year founded
2003
AUM
Undisclosed
Location
Region
North America
Country
United States
City
Denver
Corporate office
Denver, CO, United States
Principals
Alexander Karp
CEO
Shyam Sankar
CTO
Stephen Cohen
President
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
How does Palantir generate revenue?
Palantir generates revenue primarily through multiyear subscription contracts for its Gotham and Foundry platforms. Contracts typically range from $500,000 to tens of millions per year. The company also earns revenue from professional services and performance-based warrants or equity stakes tied to client milestones (per company SEC filings, 2024).
Who are Palantir’s primary clients?
Palantir serves government clients, including the U.S. Army, CIA, and NHS England, as well as commercial enterprises such as BP and Airbus (per company disclosures, 2024). The company has over 200 active customers across defense, healthcare, energy, and manufacturing sectors.
Does Palantir operate as an investment firm or a software vendor?
Palantir is an enterprise software vendor, not an asset manager or family office. It does not manage third-party capital or invest in external funds. The company's business model is built around selling software subscriptions and related services.
What is the relationship between Palantir and the CIA?
The CIA's venture arm, In-Q-Tel, was an early investor in Palantir in 2004. The investment provided both capital and a pathway to government contracts. Palantir has since expanded beyond government into commercial sectors, but the CIA remains a client.
How has Palantir performed since its public listing?
Palantir went public via direct listing on the NYSE on September 30, 2020. As of March 2025, the company reported total revenue of $2.9 billion for fiscal 2024 and has been GAAP-profitable since the second quarter of 2023 (per company earnings reports). Its share price has experienced significant volatility.
What is Palantir's political and ethical posture?
Palantir emphasizes data-driven decision-making and has faced criticism over privacy and civil liberties concerns from its work with government agencies. The company funds an independent philanthropic foundation, the Palantir Foundation, which focuses on technology ethics and civil rights initiatives.
Profile maintained by Altss using OSINT (open-source intelligence), regulatory filings, licensed data partners, and verified direct submissions. Read the methodology. Last updated: . Continuous refresh with full update cycles at least every 30 days.
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