Palantir’s CTO, Shyam Sankar, is on a mission to cultivate a new wave of defense tech startups. He believes that these startups, led by individuals who have previously worked at companies like Palantir, Tesla, and SpaceX, bring fresh perspectives and energy to the industry. Sankar sees the importance of supporting these startups not only from a business standpoint but also from a philosophical standpoint. He believes that their success is crucial for the country and the West to win in an increasingly complex and uncertain world.
To achieve this, Sankar launched a program called First Breakfast in late 2023. The program provides guidance and tools to defense tech startups, helping them navigate the difficult government approval process and qualify for contracts. One of the key offerings is FedStart, which allows startups to build their software on established platforms built by Palantir. This gives them a head start in the accreditation process, saving them time and resources.
First Breakfast also offers startups access to military data through secure APIs, streamlining their access and use of this valuable information. This tooling has been praised by industry experts for its ability to save time, reduce technical complexity, and ensure compliance.
While supporting defense tech startups aligns with Palantir’s mission and values, it also makes smart business sense. By providing software tools and support to these startups, Palantir establishes itself as a key player in the defense tech ecosystem. This not only contributes to social stability but also helps Palantir grow its own business.
However, there is a challenge when it comes to the exit strategies for these startups. Currently, the major defense contractors have shown little interest in acquiring these new defense tech startups. To address this, Sankar believes that a broad set of options for liquidity is necessary, including acquisitions by major defense players like Lockheed Martin or Boeing.
Overall, Sankar’s efforts to support defense tech startups through the First Breakfast program demonstrates Palantir’s commitment to the industry and their belief in the importance of innovation and collaboration. By providing guidance, tools, and access to resources, Palantir is helping to shape the future of defense technology and ensure that the country and the West are prepared for whatever challenges lie ahead.
