Intelligence Squared Is Alex Karp the Philosopher of Silicon Valley? With Michael Steinberger
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Dec 8, 2025 Michael Steinberger, a seasoned journalist and author of The Philosopher in the Valley, shares insights into Alex Karp, the unconventional CEO of Palantir. He unpacks Karp's unique leadership style and background, exploring how his anti-war activism shaped his vision. Steinberger discusses Palantir's controversial role in national security and the surveillance landscape, while also highlighting its contributions during the pandemic. The conversation dives into Karp's political evolution and his surprising support for Trump, shedding light on his complex worldview.
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Unlikely Origins Of A Security CEO
- Alex Karp grew up in a left-wing, activist household and excelled academically at Haverford College.
- His early activism and intellectual rigor shaped a surprising path from progressive student to Palantir CEO.
From PayPal Anti-Fraud To Palantir
- Peter Thiel seeded Palantir from PayPal anti-fraud tech and recruited Karp after recognizing his fundraising and persuasive skills.
- Karp transitioned from fundraising moonlighter to CEO despite lacking the military background Thiel initially wanted.
Palantir Is Plumbing, Not Data Vendor
- Palantir builds integration and analytics platforms rather than collecting or selling data.
- Its software creates a 'single pane of glass' that turns messy, siloed data into actionable patterns for large organizations.
