Palantir Technologies: History, Growth, and Current Results

Palantir Technologies is one of the most innovative companies in data analytics and artificial intelligence, playing a key role in government, commercial, and humanitarian sectors. Founded in 2003, the company has experienced exponential growth, from an intelligence-funded startup to a publicly traded giant. In this article, we explore its history, its rise to success, and its most recent results as of December 2025.

History and Foundation

Palantir Technologies was founded in 2003 by a group of visionary entrepreneurs, including Peter Thiel (co-founder of PayPal), Alex Karp, Stephen Cohen, Joe Lonsdale, and Nathan Gettings. The company's name derives from the "seeing stones" (palantíri) described in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, symbolizing the ability to "see" and analyze complex information. The idea arose in response to the limitations of existing technologies at the time, such as rigid products unsuitable for new problems, customized systems slow to implement, and automated approaches ineffective against adaptive adversaries.

Palantir initially received funding from In-Q-Tel, the CIA's venture capital arm, which supported it in developing software for intelligence and the post-9/11 counterterrorism effort. The company focused on creating platforms for human analysis of real-world data, integrating, managing, and securing sensitive information. In its early years, Palantir operated discreetly, working primarily with US government agencies to counter threats such as terrorism and financial crime. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, the company has always emphasized a mission-driven approach, assembling teams of engineers with expertise in distributed systems, big data, and user experience.

Rise and Key Milestones

Palantir's rise has been marked by a transition from an exclusive public sector provider to a leader in the commercial market, thanks to AI integration and global expansion. In the early years, the company grew through contracts with US intelligence agencies, assisting in investigations into human trafficking, financial fraud, and cybersecurity. A key milestone was its expansion beyond government: Palantir began serving private businesses, nonprofits, and international organizations for humanitarian purposes, such as disaster response and disease containment.

In 2020, Palantir made its public offering via a direct listing on the NYSE, a pivotal moment that put it in the spotlight. Since then, growth has accelerated dramatically, especially with the adoption of AI. Since 2023, revenue has grown from 13% annually to a peak of 39% in Q1 2025, thanks to the Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP), which has revolutionized data analytics for businesses. The company has exceeded 50 application areas, from criminal investigations to supply chain optimization. Among recent milestones, Palantir has incorporated privacy protections and collaborated with advocacy groups for responsible data use, balancing innovation and ethics.

Growth has been exponential: since its IPO five years ago, the stock has risen 1,700%, transforming Palantir into a tech giant. In 2025, the company achieved quarterly revenue above $1 billion for the first time, with annual projections of $4.2 billion.

Current Results as of December 2025

As of December 2025, Palantir continues to deliver extraordinary performance, driven by demand for its AI solutions. In the third quarter of 2025, revenue grew 63% year-over-year to $1.18 billion, with earnings per share exceeding estimates by 25%. The US commercial segment saw a 121% jump, while overall US business increased by 77%. The company raised its guidance for the fourth quarter (61% growth) and the full year (53%), exceeding analysts' expectations.

On the stock market front, Palantir (PLTR) stock has gained over 2,910% since 2023, with a 157% year-to-date increase in 2025. At the end of December, shares were trading around $177, down 5.6% in the latest session but up 5% for the month. Despite high valuations (over 400x earnings), analysts expect continued growth in 2026, although some warn of possible corrections. Palantir reported a net margin of 28.11% and a return on equity of 15.48%, confirming its financial strength.

The company operates in over 50 global industries, empowering organizations with platforms like Foundry and Gotham for interactive and machine-assisted analytics. Projections indicate 50% growth over the next five years, driven by AI.

Conclusion

Palantir Technologies is an example of how technological innovation can transform critical sectors, from national security to the commercial economy. From its founding in 2003 to its current hypergrowth, the company has demonstrated resilience and vision, overcoming ethical and market challenges. With stellar financial results in 2025 and a future rooted in AI, Palantir continues to "see" opportunity where others see only data. Its path is not without controversy, but the numbers speak for themselves: it is a key player in the global tech landscape.