Ukraine’s ex-defense chief launches startup with Palantir CEO as first investor

Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced on Tuesday the launch of a new defense technology company, with Palantir ↗ 7.71% CEO Alex Karp committed as its first major investor. The announcement, made via Fedorov's Telegram channel alongside a joint video with Karp, marks the most concrete step yet in the ousted minister's post-government career.businessinsider+1

The two men met at Palantir's Washington, DC office on August 31, according to a press release from Fedorov's team. "We are working on creating our own defense tech company. Alex Karp, CEO of Palantir, will be the first key investor," Fedorov wrote, adding that the venture would "strengthen Ukraine and help build a safer future for the entire world".straitstimes+1

Karp Calls Venture "Defining for the World"

In the video posted alongside the announcement, Karp framed the company in expansive terms. "You and your colleagues are launching a company that I think will be defining for the world, transforming your knowledge and understanding of the art of war into a product for allied nations," Karp said, noting the two had worked together for "half a decade". Palantir has provided software to Ukraine throughout the war to support both military and government operations.straitstimes+1

Fedorov did not disclose the company's name, its specific focus areas, the size of Karp's investment, or other participants, promising details would follow. However, in separate meetings on Tuesday with Nate Fick, senior managing director at Cerberus Capital Management, and Guy Filippelli of Squadra Ventures, Fedorov outlined three priority technology areas: battlefield robotics, low-cost AI-enabled missiles, and jet-powered interceptor drones.kyivpost+1

From Ministry to Startup

Fedorov, 35, served as Ukraine's defense minister from January until his dismissal on July 15 during a broader cabinet reshuffle. His ouster sparked protests in Ukraine, and he later accused then-commander-in-chief Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi of blocking his reform initiatives. Both Syrskyi and Fedorov have since left their posts — Syrskyi was replaced by Maj. Gen. Mykhailo Drapatyi.businessinsider+1

Before leading the defense ministry, Fedorov earned recognition as minister for digital transformation, where he championed a Silicon Valley-style approach to military modernization. Under his watch, the Ukrainian military carried out more than 50,000 logistics and evacuation missions using ground robotic systems and expanded drone strike campaigns that disrupted Russian supply lines.kyivpost+1

Since his departure, Fedorov has accepted a role advising Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto on defense innovation and has signaled plans for additional ventures, including a defense investment fund and a think tank. "The more international investment and expertise we attract to Ukraine's defense-tech sector, the faster we will be able to develop and scale technologies that give Ukraine an advantage on the battlefield," Fedorov said Tuesday.straitstimes+1