Company Intelligence
Palantir Technologies builds software platforms for data integration, analysis, and AI-driven decision-making. Its three core products -- Gotham (government/defense), Foundry (commercial enterprises), and AIP (AI Platform) -- enable organizations to integrate disparate data sources and deploy AI models on real-world operational workflows. Originally focused on government intelligence agencies, Palantir has rapidly expanded its commercial business and was added to the S&P 500 index in September 2024.
Data & Analytics
Headquarters
Denver, CO
Employees
~3,900
Revenue
$2.9B (2024)
Fiscal Year End
December 31
Founded
2003
Current leadership team based on public filings and announcements.
Alex Karp
Co-Founder & CEO
Dave Glazer
CFO
Shyam Sankar
CTO
Stephen Cohen
Co-Founder
Peter Thiel
Co-Founder & Board Chair
Key events and changes that sales teams should know about.
AIP (Artificial Intelligence Platform) became Palantir's fastest-growing product, with commercial AIP boot camps converting enterprise prospects at record rates and driving rapid ARR expansion.
2025-01
Q4 2024 revenue of ~$828M grew 36% YoY, with US commercial revenue up 64% and operating margins expanding to 45%, demonstrating accelerating growth and profitability.
2025-02
Added to the S&P 500 index, marking a major institutional milestone and driving significant passive fund inflows. Stock price surged over 300% in 2024.
2024-09
Won multiple major US government AI and defense contracts, including expansion of Army intelligence platform and new Department of Defense AI integration programs.
2024-11
Expanded US commercial sales team significantly while keeping total headcount lean (~3,900), reflecting the company's high-revenue-per-employee operating model.
2024-10
Palantir occupies a unique position at the intersection of enterprise AI and defense technology. Its platforms are used by the CIA, US Army, NHS, and major commercial enterprises for data integration and AI-powered decision-making. This dual government-commercial positioning means Palantir operates with security clearances and compliance standards that create both high barriers to entry and specific procurement requirements for its own vendors. Companies selling into Palantir must meet stringent security and compliance standards.
The AIP (AI Platform) launch has transformed Palantir's commercial trajectory. Unlike generic AI tools, AIP deploys large language models directly on an organization's operational data within their existing security perimeter. The company's 'boot camp' sales methodology -- intensive, hands-on workshops that demonstrate immediate value -- has proven extraordinarily effective at converting enterprise prospects. This creates a rapidly expanding customer base that will need complementary tools for data preparation, model monitoring, and AI governance.
Despite a ~$2.9B revenue run rate, Palantir operates with just ~3,900 employees, giving it one of the highest revenue-per-employee ratios in enterprise software (~$740K/employee). This lean operating model means Palantir is a selective but meaningful technology buyer. The company primarily builds rather than buys, but does procure cloud infrastructure, developer tools, and specialized security solutions. Palantir's fiscal year ends December 31, with Q4 being the strongest quarter driven by US government fiscal year-end spending (September 30) flowing through as recognized revenue in Q4.
Key competitors based on market analysis and public filings.
Palantir reported approximately $2.9 billion in revenue for 2024, representing roughly 29% year-over-year growth. The company has been profitable on a GAAP basis since 2023, with operating margins exceeding 35%. Revenue is split between government (~55%) and commercial (~45%) segments, with commercial growing faster.
Alex Karp has been CEO of Palantir since co-founding the company in 2003. Karp holds a PhD in philosophy from Goethe University Frankfurt and is known for his unconventional leadership style. Other co-founders include Peter Thiel (PayPal co-founder, board chair), Stephen Cohen, and Nathan Gettings.
Palantir is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, having relocated from Palo Alto, California in 2020. The company has major offices in Washington, D.C. (government business), New York, London, and several international locations. The Denver headquarters reflects Karp's preference for operating outside Silicon Valley's cultural center of gravity.
AIP (Artificial Intelligence Platform) is Palantir's generative AI product, launched in 2023. It enables enterprises to deploy large language models directly on their operational data within their own security environment. AIP integrates with Palantir's existing Foundry and Gotham platforms, allowing organizations to build AI-powered workflows without moving sensitive data to external AI services. It has quickly become Palantir's fastest-growing product.
Yes, Palantir has been consistently profitable on a GAAP basis since 2023, after years of heavy investment and losses. The company reported operating margins above 35% in 2024 and generates significant free cash flow. Its lean workforce (~3,900 employees) and high average contract values contribute to strong unit economics. Palantir was added to the S&P 500 in September 2024.
See leadership changes, strategic initiatives, earnings insights, and buying signals for Palantir — updated continuously.
