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Alex Karp

Alex Karp is an American businessman and entrepreneur best known as the co-founder and chief executive officer of Palantir Technologies.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Alex Karp is an American businessman and entrepreneur best known as the co-founder and chief executive officer of Palantir Technologies. He has led Palantir since 2004, helping grow it into a major software company focused on data integration and analysis for government and commercial clients.

Early life and education

Alex Karp was born in New York City in 1967. Reported biographical sources say he studied at Haverford College, Stanford Law School, and Goethe University Frankfurt.

Career

Before Palantir, Karp worked in investing and money management. He co-founded Palantir Technologies in 2003 and has served as its CEO since 2004.

Palantir Technologies

Palantir is a software company focused on data integration and analysis, serving government, military, and commercial customers. The company went public in 2020 through a direct listing.

Public profile

Karp is widely portrayed as an unusual and outspoken Silicon Valley leader. Media coverage often emphasizes his contrarian style, influence, and the scale of Palantir under his leadership.

Key facts

  • Karp is the co-founder and CEO of Palantir Technologies.
  • Palantir was founded in 2003 and Karp became CEO in 2004.
  • Palantir went public by direct listing on the New York Stock Exchange in September 2020.
  • Karp’s background includes work in investing and money management before Palantir.
  • By 2025, Palantir reported revenue of $4.5 billion, and Karp’s wealth was estimated by major financial media to be in the billions.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Alex Karp?
Alex Karp is an American businessman and the co-founder and CEO of Palantir Technologies.
When was Alex Karp born?
He was born on October 2, 1967.
What is Alex Karp known for?
He is best known for leading Palantir Technologies, a data analysis and software company.
When did Palantir go public?
Palantir went public in September 2020 through a direct listing on the New York Stock Exchange.
What did Alex Karp do before Palantir?
Sources describe him as having worked in investing and money management before co-founding Palantir.
What is Alex Karp’s educational background?
Reported sources list Haverford College, Stanford Law School, and Goethe University Frankfurt.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Karp
    Supports: Full name, birth date, nationality, and role as co-founder and CEO of Palantir Technologies.
  2. Business Insider — https://www.businessinsider.com/alex-karp-bio-palantir-ceo
    Supports: CEO since 2004 and Palantir’s September 2020 direct listing.
  3. Bloomberg — https://www.bloomberg.com/billionaires/profiles/alexander-c-karp/
    Supports: Palantir co-founder, company background, 2025 revenue, and wealth context.
  4. Clay — https://www.clay.com/dossier/palantir-ceo
    Supports: Birthplace, education, prior career, and Palantir co-founding details.
  5. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/money/Alex-Karp
    Supports: Overview of Karp, Palantir, and the company’s evolution.