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Key Points
- Alex Karp’s net worth rises by $500 million to $7.5 billion, following a $5 billion gain in 2024, according to Forbes.
- Palantir’s strong performance, particularly in AI and big data, boosts Karp’s wealth, with key contracts in defense, healthcare, and finance.
- Palantir’s military AI contracts, including a $618.9 million deal with the U.S. Army, drive its valuation and Karp’s continued wealth growth.
Alex Karp, the U.S. third-richest Black person and co-founder and CEO of Palantir Technologies, has added another $500 million to his net worth in the first few weeks of 2025, bringing his fortune to $7.5 billion, according to Forbes. This comes on the heels of an extraordinary year for Karp, who saw his wealth increase by $5 billion in 2024.
Karp, who co-founded Palantir in 2003 alongside Peter Thiel and other partners, has seen his net worth grow rapidly, rising from $2 billion to $7 billion in 2024, largely thanks to the strong performance of his 2.63 percent stake in the company. Palantir has continued its run into 2025, maintaining its position as a leader in the artificial intelligence and big data analytics industries.
Palantir's continued success
Under Karp’s leadership, Palantir has firmly established itself as a leading technology firm, securing key contracts in defense, healthcare, finance, and law enforcement.
In December 2024, the company extended its collaboration with the U.S. Army through a $618.9 million contract for the Army Vantage program. Over the next four years, this deal will help enhance the Army Data Platform with cutting-edge AI and data analytics, solidifying Palantir’s role in advancing military data systems.
With a net worth of $7.5 billion, Karp ranks as the third-richest Black person in the U.S., following Robert F. Smith, founder of Vista Equity Partners, and David Steward, chairman of World Wide Technology. Although he lags behind his peers, Karp remains a prominent figure globally, sitting at number 396 on Forbes’ real-time billionaire list.
Palantir’s military AI success drives valuation
Palantir’s success in integrating AI into military operations has been a key driver behind both its rising valuation and Alex Karp’s growing wealth.
Its recent contract wins include a $36.8 million extension with U.S. Special Operations Command and a $99.8 million deal with the U.S. DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory, which further highlight the company’s leadership in defense technology.
As AI continues to be a focal point in the tech industry, Palantir is well-positioned to benefit from the ongoing demand for cutting-edge solutions in various sectors, securing Karp's place as one of the world’s most influential tech billionaires.
