I'M BACK FROM AIPCON

Palantir...has had some exciting weeks.

Welcome back to DailyPalantir! I got back from Palantir’s latest AIPCon last week that I was honored enough to be invited to — I learned a ton and will be recapping from my experience. Let’s get into it!

First off, thank you for everyone who reached out and sent well wishes when they found out I was at AIPCon. I was able to host the pre-game show and half-time show, along with customer interviews, and it was overall an amazing experience. The link to the halftime show here. I also got to take a really fun video with Palantir CEO Alex Karp that you can view here.

Before getting into my AIPCon recap — we hit $38 today. I’ll be going deeper into that and the new Bank of America $50 price target raise tomorrow.

What I Learned About the Culture

During my time at AIPCon, I gained a deeper understanding of Palantir’s culture and what truly makes the company tick. From the moment I stepped into the event, the energy was unlike anything I’ve experienced. What struck me most was how invested Palantir’s employees are in the company’s mission. This isn’t a place where people simply clock in and out for a paycheck. The employees I spoke with, including Kevin, Mark, and Sasha, radiated a genuine belief in Palantir’s vision. That level of dedication is rare, and it’s a key reason why the company has cultivated such a strong, mission-driven culture.

One of the core drivers of this culture is the authenticity of Palantir’s leadership, particularly Dr. Alex Karp. Karp isn’t your typical CEO; he doesn’t shy away from difficult issues or try to please everyone. Instead, he stands firmly by his beliefs, whether it's supporting Ukraine or working with controversial government agencies. This unapologetic authenticity has a ripple effect throughout the company. Employees are empowered to bring their full selves to work, knowing that they’re part of a company that isn’t afraid to take a stand. This sense of purpose makes Palantir's culture not just unique, but incredibly powerful.

A key element of Palantir’s culture is its long-term focus. Employees at Palantir aren’t just solving immediate problems—they’re working on projects that will have a lasting impact on industries and, in some cases, on global security. At AIPCon, I realized that Palantir attracts people who thrive on solving complex, real-world problems. Whether it’s enhancing national defense or improving operational efficiency for global enterprises, Palantir’s employees approach their work with a sense of responsibility and vision. They’re not just creating software—they’re building solutions that have the potential to change the world.

Palantir also fosters an incredibly collaborative environment. What I saw at AIPCon wasn’t just employees working with customers, but true partnerships. The culture of Palantir revolves around deep collaboration, where both internal teams and clients work closely to co-create solutions. This level of partnership ensures that the company’s technology is constantly evolving and adapting to meet real-world needs. The willingness of Palantir’s employees to work directly with customers to fine-tune their technology speaks volumes about the company’s commitment to innovation and effectiveness.

Lastly, what I learned about Palantir’s culture is that it’s built on a foundation of resilience. This is a company that has faced immense skepticism and criticism over the years, yet its people are undeterred. They’re in it for the long haul. The employees I met at AIPCon weren’t focused on short-term gains or trends—they were committed to Palantir’s long-term vision of transforming industries through data-driven technology. This resilience is what will allow Palantir to continue growing and evolving, even in the face of challenges. It’s a culture built to last, and it’s one of the key reasons why the company has been able to attract and retain some of the best talent in the world.

How I Think the Media Will Begin to Think of Palantir

The media’s perception of Palantir is undergoing a major transformation, and after attending AIPCon, I believe this shift will only accelerate. For a long time, Palantir was seen as a mysterious, even controversial company, largely because of its early government contracts and work with intelligence agencies. But now, as Palantir gains more visibility and expands into new markets, the media narrative is shifting. More outlets are starting to recognize Palantir not just for its government work, but for its broader potential in AI and enterprise data solutions. Palantir’s inclusion in the S&P 500 has only added fuel to this narrative, positioning the company as a mainstream player that can’t be ignored.

A big part of why Palantir is gaining more positive media attention is Dr. Alex Karp’s increasing presence in public discourse. Karp isn’t just a CEO—he’s a thought leader, and his willingness to engage in bold, often controversial conversations makes him a magnet for media attention. Whether it’s his stance on geopolitics or his vision for the future of AI, Karp has become a compelling figure who draws interest from top-tier media outlets. His recent appearances on Bill Maher’s show and a high-profile feature in *The New York Times* signal that the media is starting to view him as one of the most influential voices in tech.

What’s particularly interesting is that the media is starting to recognize the deeper value Palantir brings to the AI revolution. For years, Palantir’s story was often reduced to its government contracts or the controversial nature of its clients. But at AIPCon, it became clear that the media is beginning to understand Palantir’s broader capabilities, especially in sectors like healthcare, finance, and energy. Publications like *Bloomberg* and *CNBC* are starting to focus on Palantir’s AI-driven solutions, particularly its unique ontology, which positions the company as a leader in enterprise AI.

Karp’s upcoming book, set to release in February, will likely further shift the media’s perception. As one of the most unique and authentic thinkers in the tech world, Karp’s book will give readers an inside look at his leadership philosophy and the principles driving Palantir. This will likely spark even more conversations about Palantir’s role in the future of AI and enterprise software. As more people come to understand Karp’s vision, I believe we’ll see a continued shift in the media toward a more nuanced and positive view of Palantir.

In the long term, I believe Palantir will become a company that the media views as not just a tech firm, but a thought leader in the AI space. The company’s growing media presence will help it build a stronger brand, one that is associated with innovation, authenticity, and long-term vision. The skepticism that once surrounded Palantir will likely fade as more people recognize the company’s ability to execute and deliver real value. With the media increasingly focused on Palantir’s impact, I expect the narrative to continue shifting from controversy to admiration.

Why the Ontology and Customers Matter So Much

One of the most critical things I learned at AIPCon is just how essential Palantir’s ontology is to its business model and long-term success. The ontology is the backbone of Palantir’s software—it’s what allows organizations to take raw data and turn it into actionable insights. In a world where data is becoming more and more abundant, the ability to actually make sense of that data is what sets Palantir apart from its competitors. The ontology is not just a technical feature; it’s the very thing that enables organizations to make better decisions, operate more efficiently, and unlock new levels of value.

At AIPCon, I saw firsthand how Palantir’s ontology is transforming the way its customers operate. From healthcare organizations optimizing their operations to government agencies improving national security, the ontology is helping clients across industries solve complex problems. What makes the ontology so powerful is its ability to adapt to different sectors and needs. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution; it’s a customizable framework that can be tailored to meet the specific challenges of each organization. This flexibility is why Palantir has such a diverse and loyal customer base.

The relationship between Palantir and its customers is another reason the ontology matters so much. At AIPCon, I was able to see the depth of the partnerships Palantir has with its clients. These aren’t just transactional relationships where Palantir provides a service and moves on. Instead, the company works closely with its customers to continuously evolve the technology and ensure it’s delivering maximum value. Palantir’s close collaboration with its clients is a big reason why the ontology continues to improve—it’s constantly being fine-tuned based on real-world feedback and needs.

Palantir’s customers are not only essential to its success but are also its biggest advocates. At AIPCon, I spoke with several customers who couldn’t stop talking about how much the ontology had changed their businesses for the better. This kind of customer satisfaction is hard to achieve in the enterprise software space, and it’s a testament to how well Palantir’s technology works. The trust Palantir has built with its customers is a key reason why the company continues to grow, even as it faces challenges from skeptics and competitors.

In the end, Palantir’s ontology and its deep customer relationships are what give the company a significant edge in the AI space. The ontology is the secret sauce that makes AI useful in the enterprise, and Palantir’s customers are proof that it works. As the company continues to refine and expand its ontology, I believe it will unlock even more opportunities for growth, not just in its current sectors but across new industries as well. The ontology isn’t just important to Palantir—it’s the foundation upon which the company’s future success will be built.

I’ll be back tomorrow to discuss some deals and price target upgrades we got!

That’s it for today - see you tomorrow!

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