Shyam Sankar: Disruptor-in-chief - The Hindu

This article explores Palantir Technologies' remarkable success story and the pivotal role of CTO Shyam Sankar in transforming the company from a CIA-backed startup to a $443 billion AI powerhouse.

Founded in 2003 by Peter Thiel and others, Palantir has become Silicon Valley's biggest success story with over 600% stock growth in the past year. The company specializes in data analysis and AI solutions for government agencies and Fortune 500 companies, with applications ranging from national security to healthcare. Sankar, who joined as the 13th employee in 2006, pioneered the "forward deployed engineer" model and recently became a billionaire as the company's valuation soared.

• Palantir's stock surged 600% in one year, making it the best-performing AI company in the S&P 500
• The company serves over 30 federal agencies and major corporations with its Gotham, Foundry, and AI platforms
• Sankar's innovative approach of embedding engineers directly with clients became key to Palantir's business success
• Recent controversies include partnerships with Israel's military and immigration enforcement projects