“The CEO Putting Technology Behind Israel”

Chosen for putting cutting-edge technology and Silicon Valley influence behind Israel: Alex Karp has transformed Palantir into one of the world's most important defense and artificial intelligence companies, while becoming one of the most outspoken CEOs in America in support of Israel.

I am the most publicly supportive CEO of Israel.

Alex Karp, July

In 2026, Karp's influence became impossible to ignore. Palantir's AI-powered technology was used by the U.S. military during its campaign against Iran, including the Maven system that helped accelerate intelligence and targeting decisions.

At the same time, Palantir continued expanding at extraordinary speed. The company reported second-quarter revenue growth of 93 percent year-over-year, reaching nearly $2 billion, driven largely by surging demand for its defense and AI technology.

But for The 36, Karp's significance goes beyond business. He has repeatedly defended Israel publicly when many technology leaders have chosen silence, saying in 2026: "I think Israel is on the side of good." Palantir has also maintained a strategic relationship with Israel's defense establishment, providing technology designed to support Israel's war-related missions.

Karp has made clear that he sees Israel as an important American ally and believes Western technology should be used to defend Western democracies. At a time when artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the battlefield, Alex Karp is helping determine what that future looks like, while making sure Israel has a place at the forefront of it.

He isn't just building technology for the future. He is helping build the technology that will defend it.

That is why Alex Karp is No. 21 on The 36.