Ousted Ukrainian defense chief lands Palantir CEO as first investor in new venture
Former Ukrainian defense minister Fedorov is starting a defense technology company with Palantir CEO Alex Karp as the first major investor. Fedorov is seeking further US investment for the fund and has proposed providing drone technology to the United States in exchange for Patriot interceptors. Separately, Fedorov has taken an advisory position with Italy's defense chief. He has characterized the initiative as a way to create "new history" in the conflict against Russia.
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- ✓ Palantir CEO Alex Karp is the first major investor in a new defense company launched by former Ukrainian defense chief Fedorov.
- ✓ Fedorov is seeking US investment for a defense tech fund.
- ✓ Fedorov has accepted an advisory role with Italy's defense chief.
What changed
Alex Karp of Palantir has committed as the first major investor in Fedorov's new defense startup.
Live updates
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Ex-Ukraine Defense Chief Fedorov Launches Tech Firm With Palantir CEO
Former Ukrainian defense minister Fedorov is starting a defense technology company with Palantir CEO Alex Karp as the first major investor. Fedorov is seeking further US investment for the fund and has proposed providing drone technology to the United States in exchange for Patriot interceptors. Separately, Fedorov has taken an advisory position with Italy's defense chief. He has characterized the initiative as a way to create "new history" in the conflict against Russia.
Why it matters
Fedorov was ousted from his position as Ukraine's pro-tech defense minister. His transition to the private sector and advisory roles suggests a shift in how Ukraine leverages its wartime tech experience for international partnerships.
What is confirmed
- Palantir CEO Alex Karp is the first major investor in a new defense company launched by former Ukrainian defense chief Fedorov.
- Fedorov is seeking US investment for a defense tech fund.
- Fedorov has accepted an advisory role with Italy's defense chief.
Still unconfirmed
- Fedorov offered the US a drone army in exchange for Patriot interceptors.
- Fedorov is a critic of President Zelensky.
What to watch next
- Confirmation of additional US investors for the defense tech fund
- Details on the specific drone technology offered to the US
- Official terms of Fedorov's advisory role with Italy
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (15)
- politico.eu — Ousted Ukrainian defense chief Fedorov takes advisory role with Italy
- Financial Times — Ukraine’s ex-defence minister touts ‘new history’ in war against Russia with planned tech fund
- Reuters — Ukraine's former defence chief seeks US investment for defence tech fund, FT reports
- The Kyiv Independent — Fedorov offers drone technology to US in exchange for Patriots, seeks funding for defense tech fund
- The New York Times — Ukrainian Drone Mastermind, Fired by Kyiv, Will Advise Italy’s Defense Chief
- reuters.com — Ukraine's Fedorov says Palantir CEO will be first major investor in new defence company
- The Washington Post — Palantir CEO sets sights on Ukraine as next target
- Business Insider — Ukraine's ousted pro-tech defense minister is launching a new company backed by Palantir's Alex Karp
- Bloomberg.com — Palantir’s Karp Will Back Startup by Ex-Ukraine Defense Chief
- The Telegraph — Palantir boss backs Zelensky critic’s defence start-up
- Defense News — Ousted Ukrainian defense chief lands Palantir CEO as first investor in new venture
- euractiv.com — Former Ukraine defence chief Fedorov launches firm with Palantir's CEO
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