Palantir CEO Alex Karp Declares Company ‘Completely Anti-Woke’
During a recent earnings call, Palantir Technologies CEO Alex Karp declared the company as “the first to be completely anti-woke.” He emphasized the commitment of Palantir employees to free speech and the merits of meritocracy, asserting that these values contribute to the company’s success in delivering high-quality results for clients in both the private sector and the U.S. government.
Financial Performance Highlights
Palantir reported striking financial growth for the third quarter ending in September, achieving nearly $1.2 billion in revenue. This marked a 63% increase compared to the previous year. Key statistics include:
- U.S. Commercial Revenue: Doubled, increasing by 121% to $397 million.
- U.S. Government Revenue: Grew by 52% to $486 million.
Karp described these results as possibly the best ever for any software firm, stating, “That’s not hyperbolic.”
Cultural and Political Stance
Karp’s comments reflect a cultural shift within Silicon Valley, aligning with a broader acceptance of anti-woke sentiments and support for former President Donald Trump. This comes as other tech leaders, including Sam Altman from OpenAI and Mark Zuckerberg from Meta, openly engage with Trump and his policies.
Amidst this environment, Karp highlighted controversial stances taken by Palantir, mentioning the company’s support for organizations such as ICE and their backing of Israel. He acknowledged the divisiveness of these positions but maintained that they do not deter the company’s focus.
Internal Perspectives
Palantir’s communications director, Lisa Gordon, voiced concerns about the company’s political shift towards Trump during a recent interview. Her remarks were notably removed from social media by the hosting platform.
Karp also addressed societal issues, advocating for heightened border security and a focus on the struggles of working-class Americans facing crises such as drug-related deaths. He stated, “At Palantir, we are on the side of the average American.”
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Karp expressed support for former Vice President Kamala Harris’s 2024 campaign. In his shareholder letter, he called for a return to a shared national experience and emphasized the importance of cultural identity. He cautioned against the notion that all cultures are equal, stating, “Some have proven to be wondrous and generative. Others destructive and deeply regressive.”
This declaration reflects Palantir’s intention to maintain a distinct corporate identity while navigating varying political and cultural landscapes.